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Keeping Travellers Safe Since 1994
Dr. Darin P. Cherniwchan
BSc(Pharm), MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP
Certificate in Travel Health (CTH)
NEWS ALERT: May 20, 2026
Ebola DRC and Uganda
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is actively monitoring a Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD) outbreak, initially declared in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on May 15, 2026.
As of May 19, 2026, authorities have reported 513 suspected cases and 131 suspected deaths, though the actual scale of the outbreak may be significantly larger. The disease has spread from Mongbwalu to major urban centers in the DRC, with imported cases identified in Kampala, Uganda, and an infected American doctor evacuated to Germany for treatment.
BVD, a strain of the Ebola virus, has a case fatality rate between 30% and 50%, and currently, there is no licensed vaccine or treatment. The virus spreads via direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms, which include fever, severe bleeding, and organ impairment, can appear within 2 to 21 days.
Due to the outbreak's severity and regional instability, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 17, 2026, and the Africa CDC declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security the following day. Response efforts include deploying rapid response teams, enhancing surveillance, and establishing safe treatment centers. The US CDC and ECDC evaluate the immediate risk to their general public as low and very low, respectively. Meanwhile, PHAC is conducting a Rapid Risk Assessment and has issued Travel Health Notices for both the DRC and Uganda
NEWS ALERT: May 12, 2026
Medical Tourism
Patient Information Notice: Health Risks Associated with Medical Tourism
The Public Health Agency of Canada is advising individuals about the risks of nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infections associated with medical tourism.
Recently, cases of these bacterial skin and soft tissue infections have been confirmed in Canadians returning from cosmetic procedures abroad, specifically following facelifts in Mexico and hair transplants in Turkey.Medical tourism involves traveling to another country for surgical, medical, cosmetic, or dental treatments. While popular, it carries the risk of serious complications, including exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria like NTM, which are naturally found in soil and water.
If you are considering traveling outside of Canada for medical care, please take the following precautions to protect your health:
- Carefully review the public resources on "Receiving Medical Care Outside Canada" available at Travel.gc.ca.
- Discuss your plans in advance with your primary healthcare provider or a local travel health clinic.
Make informed decisions and prioritize your safety before booking any medical procedures abroad.
NEWS ALERT
Hajj Pilgrimage 2026
The Hajj pilgrimage will take place from Sunday May 24, 2026 to Friday, May 29, 2026, bringing millions of pilgrims together in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The Public Health Agency of Canada has developed new posters (see section immediately below to download) that provide useful travel health advice in English, French and Arabic and contain links to up-to-date security information from the Government of Canada.
While the Government of Canada currently advises Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East, many are expected to perform Hajj.
For those going, meningitis vaccine (mandatory requirement for all performing Hajj) is available at our clinic. All recipients of the vaccine will receive the official International Certificate of Vaccination.
NEWS ALERT - 11 dec 2025
Multi-Country Chikungunya Outbreak
A marked increase in chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection cases has been observed globally in 2025. According to World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 445,000 confirmed cases (including 155 deaths) have been reported as of late September 2025, affecting 40 countries/territories across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. The Americas currently account for the highest burden. Local transmission has been confirmed in Europe (France and Italy). According to ECDC, PAHO, WHO, international health authorities, and ministries of health, the 5 countries currently experiencing above-average incidence include: Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Cuba, China and France.
CUBA - Since July 2025, over 42,000 cases have been reported with 28 deaths. In the past 30 days, over 20,000 new cases have been reported. All these numbers are likely significantly greater due to under-reporting. Vaccination should be considered for all travellers ages 12 to 64 years old.
NEWS ALERT - 02 dec 2025
India: Counterfeit Rabies Vaccine
A counterfeit rabies vaccine is circulating through unauthorized sources in major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow; the extent of potential distribution is unknown. The counterfeit vaccine has the same information as the genuine registered vaccine (Abhayrab; Human Biologics Institute), batch number KA24014, with some notable differences in formulation, packaging, labeling, manufacturing, expiration date, etc., which pose a serious health risk. Travelers should observe animal bite precautions and be vaccinated prior to travel if indicated. For postexposure prophylaxis, travelers should immediately seek medical care for wound care and rabies risk assessment at an established health care facility, which can help determine the reliability of any vaccine, if indicated. Travelers who have had a potential rabies exposure should immediately contact their health care provider to determine the need for vaccination if not already provided or revaccination if vaccine source is uncertain; travel to another country may be required to access a reliable source of rabies vaccine. Travelers should keep a written record of any vaccines give abroad.
NEWS ALERT - 25 NOV 2025
Hepatitis A Outbreak - Eastern Europe
Hungary: Significant Hepatitis A Increase
According to Hungary's Ministry of Health, more than 65 cases of Hepatitis A per week have been reported since mid-October 2025. Approximately 460 cases, at least a 16-fold increase over average incidence, have been reported since early September 2025. The outbreak has yet to peak. Pre-travel Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Because of possible ongoing risk and the long incubation period of hepatitis A, vaccination should be considered (ideally within 2 weeks of potential exposure) for any unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated traveler who had been in Hungary in the past 2 months.
NEWS ALERT - 29 MAY 2025
Colombia: New Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements
Yellow Fever Vaccination Required for Public Transportation and Parks
Colombia now requires proof of yellow fever (YF) vaccination when using public transportation services or visiting national nature parks due to the YF health emergency in the country. The YF vaccination entry requirement remains unchanged.
Requirement (for entry, per WHO): A certificate proving yellow fever (YF) vaccination is required for travelers aged ≥ 1 year coming from Angola, Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda. This also applies to airport transit stops (no exit through immigration checkpoint) longer than 12 hours in these countries.
NEW: Colombia requires proof of vaccination prior to entering the national nature parks of Amacayacu, Cahuinarí National Park, Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo, Cordillera de Los Picachos, El Tuparro, Farallones de Cali, Gorgona, La Paya, Las Orquídeas National Park, Macuira, Old Providence McBean Lagoon, Paramillo National Park, Puinawai, Río Puré National Park, Sanquianga, Serranía de Chiribiquete, Serranía de los Churumbelos, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Tayrona, Tinigua, Uramba Bahía Málaga, Utria, and Yaigojé Apaporis; the flora and fauna sanctuaries of Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta Sanctuary, El mono Hernández Cork Forest, Los Colorados, Los Flamencos, and Malpelo; Orito Ingi-Ande; and Salamanca Park.
NEW: Proof of vaccination (administered ≥ 10 days prior to travel) is required for persons using public transportation services in the country; however, a signed declaration assuming direct responsibility for any possible infection of themselves and/or others is acceptable if a vaccination certificate is not available or not yet valid. Proof of vaccination (or a signed declaration) should be carried at all times.
