'Onset is sudden': New travel guidance for Britons as holidaymakers face health risk in South America

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) told holidaymakers to carry out some important tasks before visiting Ecuador.

At least eight weeks before their trip, Britons should check the latest vaccine recommendations for Ecuador via TravelHealthPro.

At the same time, they should check where to get vaccines and whether they have to pay. This information is available on the NHS travel vaccinations page.

Britons were also advised to see what health risks they may face in Ecuador, including the Oropouche virus.

Altitude sickness remains a risk in parts of Ecuador. Holidaymakers can read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

TravelHealthPro has general health information, plus information on vaccine recommendations, malaria and other risks, Covid, health news and outbreaks. It has specific guidance on the Oropouche virus.

Oropouche virus

The virus has been found to circulate in Central America, Southern America and the Caribbean. This year, outbreaks have been reported in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guyana and Peru.

As of October 5, 2024, 10,275 confirmed cases, including two deaths, have been reported in the Americas Region since the start of the year.

Oropouche virus is spread to humans mainly through the bite of an infected midge (Culicoides paraensis). Some mosquitoes can also be involved in transmission.

Work is ongoing to understand the potential risks of OROV infection during pregnancy.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Oropouche virus disease begin four to eight days after an infective bite. TravelHealthPro said: "Onset is sudden, usually with a fever, chills, headache, joint pain and muscle aches.

"Symptoms typically last for up to seven days. Some people may develop more severe disease, however, including meningitis or encephalitis."

Prevention

There are no specific medications or vaccines to prevent the virus, but the risk of infection can be minimised by following bite avoidance measures when visiting areas with the infection. Treatment for Oropouche virus disease is supportive (to manage the symptoms).

TravelHealthPro has essential advice for travellers, including guidance on what to do before you travel, while you are away and when you return.

The FCDO also provided further health information on medication, healthcare in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, and travel and mental health.

The emergency medical number in Ecuador is 911 and holidaymakers should ask for an ambulance.

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The FCDO advised: "Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

"You can get emergency assistance and register medical issues using the ECU 911 smartphone application."

Before booking a trip to Ecuador, Britons should consult the FCDO for the latest information on warnings and insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, regional risks, health and getting help. This includes essential guidance on where FCDO advises against all but essential travel.

Holidaymakers should always consult the FCDO for up-to-date information on their chosen destination.

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