Canada issues urgent travel advisory update for the Philippines
Anyone travelling from Canada to the Philippines is being urged to take extra precautions in a new travel advisory update.
On Monday, Feb. 16, the Government of Canada updated its travel advisory for the Philippines. In its travel health notice, the government shared advice on the risks of dengue.
“Dengue is a disease caused by a virus that can spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito,” reads the notice. “Symptoms can range from none or mild to severe or even fatal illness. If you have had a previous dengue infection, you may be at higher risk of severe disease.”
Dengue symptoms are similar to flu, such as sudden high-grade fever, headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, rashes, and nausea and vomiting. However, sometimes cases can be more serious. Symptoms can include persistent vomiting, blood in stool or vomit, severe abdominal pain, feeling tired or restless, breathing difficulties, and bruising and mild bleeding.
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Travellers are being warned that Canada currently doesn’t have a vaccine available to prevent dengue. However, a vaccine is available in some countries. It’s also important to note that treatment only focuses on easing symptoms.
“Travellers to areas with a risk of dengue should prevent mosquito bites at all times,” reads the statement.
And it’s not only the Philippines; other destinations are seeing a “higher than expected” number of cases. Destinations include American Samoa, Bangladesh, Belize, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guyana, Kiribati, Mali, Nauru, Pakistan, Panama, Puerto Rico, Samoa, Senegal, Sudan, Timor-Leste, Tuvalu, and Vietnam.
“It’s best to talk to a healthcare provider or visit a travel health clinic, preferably six weeks before your trip, to get personalized health advice,” states the advisory. “Even if your travel date is coming up soon, it’s still worthwhile to make an appointment.”