Many Dead After Renewed Clashes in Dhaka, Bangladesh
North America
On 5 August, Hurricane Debby made landfall in Florida but has since weakened to a tropical storm. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the potential for tornadoes across Florida, southeastern Georgia, and both North and South Carolina. The storm's lingering presence will likely result in ongoing flooding, power outages, and possible disruptions to airline flights. Dangerous sea conditions are also a risk due to high winds. Travellers should avoid affected areas as essential services, including transportation, may be disrupted. Follow local authorities' advice for the latest updates and safety instructions.
South America
So far in 2024, Bolivia has reported 4 cases of yellow fever, including 3 deaths; Brazil has reported 3 cases, including 2 deaths; Colombia has reported 8 cases, including 5 deaths; Guyana has reported 2 cases; and Peru has reported 16 cases, including 7 deaths. In areas where the yellow fever virus is active, the risk for an unvaccinated traveller may be high. For the vaccined traveller, the risk is essentially zero. Travellers to areas where there is a risk of exposure to yellow fever can reduce that risk by obtaining a yellow fever vaccination 10 days before travelling. In addition, travellers should take all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Travellers are reminded that many other countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival for all travellers equal to or greater than 9-12 months of age arriving from a country where there is a risk of yellow fever.
On 29 July, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner of the recent election by the electoral authority, a result immediately disputed by the opposition as fraudulent. The announcement sparked widespread protests in Caracas and other cities, with thousands taking to the streets. Demonstrators blocked roads leading to airports, including Simon Bolivar International Airport in Caracas, and staged "cacerolazo" demonstrations, a traditional form of protest where people bang pots and pans. Security forces responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, leading to at least two deaths. Venezuela withdrew all diplomatic staff from the embassies of Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay after these Latin American countries questioned the election results.
Europe
On 29 July, three people were killed and nine others injured in a knife attack at a children’s dance class in Southport. A suspect was arrested. The following day, 30 July, violent unrest broke out near a mosque on St. Luke's Road in Southport. Supporters of the English Defence League were reportedly involved in throwing bricks at the mosque, setting fire to cars and wheelie bins, and damaging a local convenience store. At least 39 police officers were injured. Further violence spread across Britain on 3 and 4 August, with anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim protests driven by misinformation about the suspected attacker. In Liverpool, Bristol, and Manchester, dozens of arrests were made after shops and businesses were vandalized and looted. On 4 August, hundreds of protesters gathered near a hotel in Rotherham, where they threw bricks at police and damaged hotel windows, resulting in several police injuries. Further protests are possible. Minimize safety risk by being vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
So far this year (2024), the Ministry of Health has recorded 162 people infected with tick-borne encephalitis. This total is twice the number registered in the same time period last year (2023). The Czech Hydrometeorological Institute's tick activity forecast warns that there is a high risk of tick attacks increasing. The risk for travellers is low unless the traveller’s activities bring them into contact with ticks. Travellers in countries where this infection occurs should avoid tick habitats such as fields and forests where possible. Daily tick checks and prompt removal of an attached tick will help to reduce the risk of infection. Vaccination (only available in Europe) may be considered, especially if itineraries involve extensive hiking and camping in tick habitats.
The first-ever death recorded in Spain due to Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever occurred in the Hospital Universitario La Paz in Madrid. The patient was initially infected in the municipality of Toledo. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus is generally transmitted from cattle and sheep to humans by exposure to infected animal blood or by bites from infected ticks. Removal of ticks from animals using unprotected hands is often a source of infection. The infection can also spread from person to person by infected blood. The risk of exposure for most travellers is low. Travellers can reduce the risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid tick bites, especially when in contact with cattle or other livestock in areas where this virus is common.?
Middle East and Asia Pacific?
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Several countries have advised their nationals to leave Lebanon due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. The situation intensified after Israel targeted Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Iran has vowed retaliation against Israel, while Hezbollah has promised to respond to Shukr's death. There are concerns that further violence could escalate into a larger conflict. The US, the UK, Australia, France, Canada, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Turkey, and Jordan are among the countries that have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon as soon as possible. Many passenger airlines have suspended the flight operations in the region.?
As of 4 August, at least 90 people have been killed in renewed clashes between security forces and protesters in Dhaka. The government has reinstated the curfew and imposed new internet restrictions. In Sylhet, violent clashes erupted between student protesters and police, fueled by ongoing protests against mass killings, arrests, attacks, and disappearances during a month of unrest. Following the government's failure to address demands for the release of detained protesters, student groups in Dhaka have called for additional street protests.? Further demonstrations are likely. At least 280 people have been killed in the July anti-quota protests. Many countries advise their citizens to avoid all travel to Bangladesh at this time due to the dangerous safety and security situation. If in Dhaka, avoid all public and political demonstrations since they may turn violent unexpectedly.?
At least 221 people were killed and many others injured due to landslides amid heavy rainfall in Chooralmala and Mundakkai in Wayanad in the early morning hours of 30 July. Around 200 people are yet to be traced, and search operations are underway. Advanced radars, drones, and heavy machinery are being used by the rescue teams deployed at Attamala, Aaranmala, Mundakkai, Punjiirimattom, and Vellarimala. These teams include personnel from the Army, National Disaster Response Team (NDRF), Coast Guard, and Navy, among others. A total of 10,042 people are staying in 93 relief camps in the district. If travelling to the landslide-hit region areas, be cautious since essential services, including transportation and communication, may be severely disrupted.
The number of people infected with the dengue fever virus continues to increase rapidly. So far this year, a total of 17,227 cases and 10 deaths have been registered. The risk of exposure will vary from place to place and may be high in many localities where dengue fever-carrying mosquitoes are found. The risk of acquiring dengue during travel depends on the destination, season, and duration of the trip and activities during travel. Severe dengue and death are relatively rare in general travellers but more frequently in those visiting friends and relatives. All travellers to areas where the dengue fever virus is active can reduce their risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Many persons with dengue fever do not seek medical care and are not reported to health authorities. There may be many more cases in the community than the reports indicate. Travellers should also be aware that where the dengue fever virus is active, there is a possibility in some locations that the chikungunya virus may be present since it is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits the dengue virus.
Foreign travellers are now allowed a six-day visa-free stay in China’s Hainan province if they enter via Hong Kong and Macau. The policy is applicable to foreigners holding a standard passport from any nation that has diplomatic ties with China. They can join a tour organized by a legally registered travel agency in Hong Kong or Macau. Those meeting the criteria can enter and depart via any of Hainan’s entry points in tour groups. The duration of the stay is counted from midnight on the day after arrival. Travellers should contact the respective authorities to understand the regulations and restrictions of the Mainland. Expect and prepare for delays due to extensive security checks. Cooperate with local authorities and follow any advice.
?Africa
In the third week of July 2024, the Nigeria Centre for Disease and Control reported 170 new cases of cholera and three deaths. The total number of cases in the current outbreak has reached slightly more than 4,800 infected people, of whom 156 have died from this infection. Cases have occurred in 35 states, including Lagos, Kogi, and Zamfara.? Most infected individuals, approximately 75%, do not show any symptoms. However, in those who do exhibit symptoms, only a small proportion develop a severe form of the disease. All travellers can minimize the risk of exposure to this disease. Strictly observe all food and water precautions in any area where there is cholera. If gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., vomiting and profuse watery diarrhea) develop while visiting the affected area, travellers should seek medical care at once. Currently, there are three WHO pre-qualified oral cholera vaccines: Dukoral, Shanchol, and Euvichol-Plus. All three vaccines require two doses for full protection. Due to a large number of cholera outbreaks and a limited global supply of vaccines, WHO is temporarily recommending only one dose of cholera vaccine in outbreak situations.
On 2 August, at least 32 people were killed and many injured in a suicide attack near the Beach View Hotel on Lido Beach. The attack began with a suicide bomber detonating explosives at the hotel entrance, followed by gunmen opening fire on beachgoers and attempting to storm the hotel. The area was cordoned off, and a security operation ensued, resulting in the elimination of all attackers and the capture of one individual driving a car filled with explosives. The Al-Shabaab group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Due to the frequent militant bombings and attacks, it is strongly advised to avoid travelling to high-risk regions. Many countries caution their citizens against all travel to Somalia due to the perilous safety and security situation.
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