Appalachian State University - Travel Health Services

AppState International Travel Health Clinic Alert

Ecuador: State of Emergency in Guayas and Esmeraldas Provinces

A state of emergency and curfew (9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.) are in place in Guayas and Esmeraldas provinces until December 15, 2022. The state of emergency was declared in response to a series of bomb attacks on November 1, 2022.

The presence of heavily armed security forces should be expected.

Travelers should maintain a high level of security awareness, carry a fully charged communication device, follow the advice of local authorities, and monitor the situation through local media and embassy communications.

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AppState International Travel Health Clinic Alert

Hong Kong: Significant Melioidosis Increase, Mainly in Sham Shui Po District

According to Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection, 29 cases of melioidosis, a significant increase over average incidence, have been reported since early 2022 in Sham Shui Po (20 cases), Eastern, and Yau Tsim Mong districts; approximately half of the cases have been reported since August.

Melioidosis is caused by the soil-dwelling bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei. B. pseudomallei enter the body via breaks in the skin or via inhalation of dust or droplets.

Travelers should avoid direct contact with soil in wet or muddy areas. Infection in travelers is rare.

AppState International Travel Health Clinic Alert

Australia: Flooding in Southeastern States

Heavy rains during October 12-14, 2022, have caused flooding in the southeastern states, particularly Victoria (including areas of Melbourne), New South Wales (southern areas) and Tasmania (northern areas).

Disruptions to basic services (such as power outages) and road travel should be expected.

Travelers should avoid the affected areas and monitor the situation through local media and embassy communications.