Since January 2025, Cape Verde has reported 56 malaria cases, with most occurring in September and October. Of these, 23 cases (41%) are classified as imported, while investigations continue to determine potential locally transmitted cases. No details on malaria species were provided. The rainy season (July–October) coincides with increased mosquito breeding, elevating the risk of transmission.
In addition, in October 2024, a resident of Praia, Cape Verde was diagnosed with malaria in Portugal.
Although Cape Verde was certified malaria-free in January 2024, the recent cases raise concerns about the potential re-establishment of local transmission.
Optimal mosquito protection 24/7 (at dusk and at night against malaria, during the day against dengue, chikunguya and other arboviruses).
In case of fever, malaria should always be ruled out by blood test.
Rabies has been confirmed in Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus) along the Western and Northern Cape coasts of South Africa since May 2024 (Figure 1).
As of January 2025, there have been a total of 55 laboratory-confirmed rabies cases in South African seals, with 39 from the Western Cape and 16 from the Northern Cape.
In June 2025, the first case of rabies was confirmed at the Walvis Bay lagoon in Namibia, see EpiNews 23 June 2025.
This marks the first reported outbreak of rabies with ongoing seal-to-seal transmission in marine mammals. Retrospective testing suggests rabies has been present in seals since at least August 2022.
Rabies is endemic in South Africa.
Prevention: in general: Avoid contact with animals and do not feed them! The public is urged to avoid interaction with Cape fur seals encountered at the beach, harbours, etc., as they are wild animals and are therefore potentially dangerous.
Travellers are advised to get a pre-exposure vaccination, especially those at higher risk, such as individuals working with animals, riding two-wheelers, visiting remote areas, young children, cave explorers, or anyone who may come into contact with bats.
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 the nearest medical center for post-exposure vaccination and clinical check-up as soon as possible!
Hong Kong: In October 2025, Hong Kong reported its first locally acquired chikungunya case and first death from the virus in a 77 year old male patient with chronic illnesses.
By 26 October, 46 cases had been confirmed—45 imported and one local fatal case—significantly higher than the usual 1–11 annual cases seen from 2016 to 2019.
Macao: As of 12 October 2025, a total of eight locally acquired chikungunya cases have now been reported in Macao for 2025.
This surge in reported chikungunya coincides with a major outbreak in 2025 in Guangdong Province, China, where 16’452 local cases were reported across 21 cities, including 10’032 cases in Foshan and 5’209 in Jiangmen—the largest chikungunya outbreak ever recorded in China.
As of 27 October 2025, Hong Kong is not considered to be experiencing a chikungunya outbreak, nor is it classified as having an elevated risk for the virus. However, given the spread of chikungunya from the Indian Ocean region to Southeast Asia, additional cases may occur in the coming months.
Prevention: Optimal mosquito protection 24/7, also in cities (also against other mosquito-borne diseases), see also Factsheet Chikungunya.
For vaccination, see ECTM vaccination recommendation against chikungunya.
Japan: According to media, Japan is experiencing an unusually early and intense influenza epidemic, with over 4’000 hospitalizations reported by early October 2025. The outbreak has caused widespread school closures and put significant pressure on healthcare facilities, especially in urban hotspots like Tokyo and Okinawa.
According to Japanese health authorities, increasing international travel, climate change and a lack of exposure to the circulating virus, particularly for elderly people and young children.
Also China reports Influenza A(H3N2) outbreaks across southern China, with hospitals in several provinces operating beyond capacity.
Practice hand hygiene.
At risk person should be vaccinated against flu and SARS-Cov2 according to national guidelines.
Protect yourself against ticks during outdoor activities (see factsheet mosquito and tick bite protection).
Vaccination against TBE is recommended for (planned) stays in endemic areas (see healthytravel website).
After recreational activities: Always examine your body for ticks or tick bites. If redness appears at least 3 days (7-10 days on average) after tick bite: consult a physician to rule out erythema migrans (Lyme disease), which would require antibiotic treatment.
Locally acquired mpox cases have now been confirmed in four countries. Spain reported its first such case on 10 October 2025, and the Netherlands on 17 October 2025. These have been followed by additional cases reported in Italy (2) and Portugal (1).
These new cases have been reported among men, some of whom identify themselves as men who have sex with men, with no recent travel history to mpox-endemic areas.
This development is distinct from the previously reported travel-associated clade Ib cases between August 2024 and October 2025, mostly among returning travellers from mpox-endemic areas outside of the EU.
Risk very low for general populations but moderate for at risk groups.
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