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Health Advice for Travellers
Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine

 

Health Advice for Travellers
Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine

 

Health Advice for Travellers
Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine

A recall of infant formulas due to potential contamination by cereulide, is affecting more than 60 countries worldwide. Symptoms of cereulide intoxication are generally mild, but infants under six months are more vulnerable to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances than older children. 

 

As of February 2026, multiple countries have begun reporting gastro-intestinal illness clusters associated with formula exposure. For Europe: see ECDC report.

 

France: Third infant death reported after formula consumption.

 

Bacillus cereus Map.JPG

ECDC, 19.02.2026; Biobeacon, 15.02.2026; Biobeacon, 15.02.2026; See also EPINEWS 22.01.2026
In 2025, Timor-Leste reported 20 human rabies deaths (compared to 2 in 2024), indicating sustained and expanding transmission (8 municipalities) driven by gaps in dog vaccination, limited access to post-exposure treatment and healthcare.

Exposure to potentially rabid animals is common, especially during travel. Rabies can be prevented!

 

Prevention:

  • In general, avoid contact with animals and do not feed them!
  • Due to the global shortage of rabies immunoglobulins — crucial for unvaccinated individuals after potential rabies exposure — the Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine advises a more generous approach to recommending rabies vaccination before travel. A two-dose pre-exposure rabies vaccination for travel should be considered as a once-in-a-lifetime investment for all travellers!

Behavior after exposure: After an animal bite/scratch: immediately wash the wound with water and soap for 15 minutes, then disinfect and in any case visit a high-quality medical center for post-exposure vaccination as soon as possible!

Biobeacon, 18.02.2026

Ross River virus transmission remains elevated across Australia into 2025–2026, with substantial case burdens reported in multiple jurisdictions and notable increases in South Australia.

 

The identification of laboratory‑confirmed cases in travelers returning to Germany further highlights the international relevance of Ross River virus and the need for strengthened surveillance, clinician awareness, and integrated vector control strategies.

Optimal mosquito protection is recommended around the clock (24/7) (see factsheet mosquito and tick bite protection). There is neither a specific medication nor a vaccination available.
Biobeacon, 16.02.2026

The US CDC has updated the areas at risk for chikungunya on 11 February 2026 (red = new compared to last update 05 February 2026):

 

Chikungunya_2026_02_12_EN.JPG

In addition to optimal mosquito bite prevention, the Swiss ECTM recommendation include:

Chikungunya vaccination is recommended for:

  • Persons >12 years of age travelling to an area with a chikungunya outbreak (see current outbreaks list of US CDC).
  • Laboratory workers who might be exposed to the virus.

 

Chikungunya vaccination may be considered for:

  • Persons >12 years travelling or moving to an area with elevated risk for chikungunya (see list of countries with elevated risk of US CDC) if planning to stay for an extended period of time or repeated stays (for example, cumulative period of 3 months or more).

 

Of note:

  • Two chikungunya vaccines have been licensed in Europe but not yet in Switzerland.
  • Consultation with a travel or tropical medicine specialist is advised.
  • For details, see ECTM statement for chikungunya recommendation or SOP.
CDC,11.2.2026

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