Now that Daryn pointed this out, I had to go call my work's health services dept and they provided this info. Sorry about the formatting and length
Recommendations for Traveler
Calculated for Germany
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Medical Alerts
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Germany May 16, 2006 11:09 GMT
Measles outbreak in North Rhine Westphalia
Since the beginning of the year, German health authorities have recorded more than 1,000 measles cases linked to the western state of North Rhine Westphalia. Actual case numbers are believed to More
Situation Updates
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Germany May 29, 2006 15:54 GMT
Racist Attacks Against Foreigners
Six foreigners were injured in four separate racially-motivated attacks in eastern and northeastern Germany. Three of the incidents took place in Berlin where 14 persons attacked Turks, a Lebanese, an More
Routine Vaccinations
Routine vaccinations should be current; these include:
· Influenza vaccine
· Measles
· Pneumococcal
· Tetanus & diphtheria
· Varicella
Traveler's Vaccination Recommendations.
Vaccination Country Country Detail
Hepatitis B Germany
Recommended for health care workers or if possibility of new sexual partner, needle sharing, body piercing or tattooing.
Tickborne Encephalitis Germany
May be recommended for those visiting forests, fields or pastures during the summer tick season.
Traveler's Malaria Recommendations.
Malaria Summary Areas of Risk
There is no malaria in Germany.
Anti-Malarial Medication Recommendations
There is no malaria in any of the countries on this itinerary
Traveler's Yellow Fever Recommendations.
Itinerary Vaccination implications Country Specific Requirements
United States to Germany No yellow fever vaccination implications.
Diseases that may be encountered on this itinerary
Animal Bites Rabies
Insect Bites Tickborne Encephalitis
Sex & Blood Unsafe Sex, Dirty Needles & Contaminated Blood Supplies
Diseases spread by Animal Bites
Rabies Rabies is a viral disease contracted when bitten or scratched by an infected (rabid) animal, often a dog. The virus travels along nerves from the area of the bite to infect the brain, causing death.
In countries with rabies, ALL animal bites and scratches must be treated seriously. Rabies vaccination is very effective in preventing rabies, even after a bite/scratch by a rabid animal.
Rabies vaccination
In rabies-affected countries, pre-exposure vaccination is often recommended for expatriates and long-term visitors if quality medical care may not be available after being bitten or scratched by an animal. It is especially important for children who may not tell their parents that they have been bitten/scratched.
If bitten or scratched by an animal:
Immediately cleanse the wound with soap and water and a povidone-iodine solution if available.
Let the wound bleed freely.
Seek medical advice from a qualified source or your assistance company, and notify local health authorities immediately to assess the need for rabies post-exposure vaccination, even if you have had pre-exposure vaccination. (THIS CAN BE LIFE SAVING).
IN GERMANY
Rabies is becoming less common and is not considered to be a serious risk to travelers.
Diseases spread by Insect Bites
Tickborne Encephalitis The virus is mainly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tick. Ticks are usually found at the edge of forests and in clearings, long grass and hedges and are more common in the summer months. Often, the bite goes unnoticed. Infection can also be acquired by consuming unpasteurized dairy products from infected cows, goats or sheep.
About 14 days after the tick bite, the patient suffers fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea and fatigue. The symptoms usually resolve in a week or so, but up to one third of patients develop a second, more severe illness. Symptoms may include severe headaches, decreased mental state, convulsions, weakness and/or coma. These symptoms indicate that the virus is affecting the brain. About one percent of cases are fatal. Fortunately, only one out of 250 people who get infected with the virus actually becomes ill.
To prevent infection, it is important to prevent tick bites, especially as most travelers have not been vaccinated.
Wear long pants with tight cuffs, and tuck pant legs into socks.
Use insect repellent containing DEET.
Consider soaking or spraying your clothes with the insecticide permethrin. (Do not apply permethrin directly to the skin.)
After visiting a forest or pasture, search for ticks on your body and clothing.
If a tick is found, remove it gently using tweezers.
A safe, effective vaccine is available in Canada, Europe and the UK. It is not available in the U.S. The vaccine is given routinely to populations living in infected areas of Europe and Russia. However, the CDC does not recommend its use for travelers.
IN GERMANY
Risk is present in southern, rural, forest areas below 1,000 meters elevation, and especially in the Bavarian Forest, Baden-Wurttemburg, the Main and the Saar.
Unsafe Sex, Dirty Needles & Contaminated Blood Supplies
HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are spread by contact with bodily fluids (especially blood and semen). Transmission most commonly occurs through:
unprotected sex,
needle sharing during IV drug abuse, or
unsafe blood or medical/dental instruments.
Genital herpes (HSV), genital warts (HPV), gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and most other sexually transmitted diseases are spread by genital contact.
Prevention:
Always use new condoms (preferably brought from your home country).
IV drug users should not share needles.
In healthcare settings, make sure that needles and syringes are new.
Call International SOS or your corporate medical department if you are hospitalized or before having a blood transfusion.
Medical Alerts
Germany May 16, 2006 11:09 GMT
Measles outbreak in North Rhine Westphalia
Since the beginning of the year, German health authorities have recorded more than 1,000 measles cases linked to the western state of North Rhine Westphalia. Actual case numbers are believed to be higher than reported, since some infections remain undiagnosed or unreported. More than 100 new cases have occurred weekly.
Many of those infected (60%) are children ages five to nineteen years old. Most have not been vaccinated against measles. Approximately 15% of cases have required hospitalization.
The state's health authorities are encouraging residents to get vaccinated and are running an informational campaign. They are also contact tracing people, such as classmates, who may have been exposed to the virus.
North Rhine Westphalia is Germany's most populous state and will host 11 World Cup matches this summer in June and July. The state is in west central Germany and contains the major cities of Dusseldorf, Essen and Bonn.
The Disease
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can have serious complications. It is spread by droplets coughed into the air as well as direct contact with the nasal and throat secretions of an infected person. The disease can have a high mortality rate among poor and malnourished children.
Symptoms include fever, cough, conjunctivitis, rash and spots in the mouth (Koplik spots). Severe complications include pneumonia, and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
International SOS Comment
All travelers to Germany are advised to be immune to measles. If you are not immune or unsure of your immunity status, consider having a measles vaccination before traveling.
Generally, you are considered immune to measles if you fulfill any of the following criteria:
You have had the measles, especially if it was diagnosed by a doctor.
You were born before 1957. That's the year childhood measles vaccination began in many countries. Those born before mass vaccinations began can assume that they have had the disease.
You have documentation showing that you had two doses of measles vaccine as a child. The first is usually given to young children, and the second is usually given when entering school.
You have had a measles vaccine as an adult (18+ years).
For more information:
See "Measles" in the "Diseases and Prevention" dropdown on International SOS Country Guides.
See the International SOS country guide on Germany
Contact any International SOS Alarm Center
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Security Situation Updates
Germany May 29, 2006 15:54 GMT
Racist Attacks Against Foreigners
Six foreigners were injured in four separate racially-motivated attacks in eastern and northeastern Germany. Three of the incidents took place in Berlin where 14 persons attacked Turks, a Lebanese, an Indian and a man from the African state of Guinea.
All the attackers were detained. Police said two of them had previous convictions for violence. Last week, a Berlin politician who is an ethnic Kurd originally from Turkey spent several days in the hospital after being hit on the head with a bottle in a racist attack.
International SOS Comment
Germany is experiencing an increase in racist attacks on dark skin foreigners. According to a report released by Germany's domestic security agency, far-right crime increased 28 percent last year.
There are indications that the major suspects in those attacks are members of right-wing groups. The attacks have trigged a discussion about xenophobia in Germany, which is expecting hundreds of thousands of visitors for the World Cup scheduled for 9 June.
Travel Advice
Travel to Germany can proceed at this stage. International SOS advises members to avoid places known to be frequented by right-wing groups and any suspected gathering.