Worldcue®
Alert
Severity: Informational Alert
Severity: Informational Alert
Health: Outbreaks of disease and
health issues may present during the Summer Olympics in the UK. Be aware of
alerts. Healthcare venues will be established.
This alert affects United Kingdom
This alert began 03 Jul 2012 18:29 GMT and is scheduled to expire
09 Sep 2012 23:59 GMT.
Current
Concerns at the UK Olympic Games Venue Sites
Ongoing measles outbreaks and a first quarter rise in pertussis cases near several 2012 Summer Olympic Games venue sites have prompted officials to direct increased attention toward enhanced vaccination delivery in the greater London area. Global health authorities urge visitors to the UK to check that their measles immunization status is up-to-date prior to embarking. Potential for other vaccine-preventable and non-vaccine preventable disease spread among large crowds at venue sites may be heightened during peak periods. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has enacted several protocols specifically for the Olympic Games to monitor for outbreaks of disease activity. Additionally, the HPA has formed "Outbreak Control Teams" and special health units to respond to any situations that may merit concern or attention during the events. Area facilities and clinics are prepared to accommodate the elevated number of visitors and various health concerns that may present. The HPA is also monitoring food-borne illness and trauma in order to effectively utilize resources.
Health Recommendations
Although the UK does not require any specific vaccinations for entry, routine vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and polio are recommended for any international traveler. Additionally, varicella immunization for those with uncertain status against chicken pox is also advised. Meningococcal immunization and pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for certain populations with underlying medical conditions, as these diseases spread easily in large crowds and may affect those with compromised health status. Check with your personal physician prior to travel. Also, influenza outbreaks are sporadically occurring in the Southern Hemisphere. As the Olympic Games are an international event drawing spectators from global reaches, early exposure to influenza is possible for those in the Northern Hemisphere. If flu vaccines are available, they may help prevent unseasonal infection.
Large gatherings of people present the opportunity for enhanced disease transmission due to the lack of availability for social distancing. Increased hand washing and/or use of hand sanitizers has been shown to reduce the incidence of pathogen spread. Fresh air venues may also reduce disease transmission compared to indoors. Maintain adequate hydration and a well-balanced diet. Prior to travel, seek any immunization updates needed from a travel medicine provider or your primary care physician. Many large international airports have medical staff and clinics where some immunizations can be obtained if necessary. Bear in mind that some immunizations require several weeks to confer adequate protection.
Ongoing measles outbreaks and a first quarter rise in pertussis cases near several 2012 Summer Olympic Games venue sites have prompted officials to direct increased attention toward enhanced vaccination delivery in the greater London area. Global health authorities urge visitors to the UK to check that their measles immunization status is up-to-date prior to embarking. Potential for other vaccine-preventable and non-vaccine preventable disease spread among large crowds at venue sites may be heightened during peak periods. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has enacted several protocols specifically for the Olympic Games to monitor for outbreaks of disease activity. Additionally, the HPA has formed "Outbreak Control Teams" and special health units to respond to any situations that may merit concern or attention during the events. Area facilities and clinics are prepared to accommodate the elevated number of visitors and various health concerns that may present. The HPA is also monitoring food-borne illness and trauma in order to effectively utilize resources.
Health Recommendations
Although the UK does not require any specific vaccinations for entry, routine vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and polio are recommended for any international traveler. Additionally, varicella immunization for those with uncertain status against chicken pox is also advised. Meningococcal immunization and pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for certain populations with underlying medical conditions, as these diseases spread easily in large crowds and may affect those with compromised health status. Check with your personal physician prior to travel. Also, influenza outbreaks are sporadically occurring in the Southern Hemisphere. As the Olympic Games are an international event drawing spectators from global reaches, early exposure to influenza is possible for those in the Northern Hemisphere. If flu vaccines are available, they may help prevent unseasonal infection.
Large gatherings of people present the opportunity for enhanced disease transmission due to the lack of availability for social distancing. Increased hand washing and/or use of hand sanitizers has been shown to reduce the incidence of pathogen spread. Fresh air venues may also reduce disease transmission compared to indoors. Maintain adequate hydration and a well-balanced diet. Prior to travel, seek any immunization updates needed from a travel medicine provider or your primary care physician. Many large international airports have medical staff and clinics where some immunizations can be obtained if necessary. Bear in mind that some immunizations require several weeks to confer adequate protection.
Related Advice: General
information for disabled travelers.
Related Advice: Influenza
Related Advice: Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Related Advice: Vaccinations for All International Travelers.
Related Advice: Influenza
Related Advice: Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Related Advice: Vaccinations for All International Travelers.
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