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Dengue Fever is a year-round risk in many parts of the world, including the Republic of the Philippines.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), the Dengue outbreak 2025 has significantly increased in CALABARZON, the National Capital Region, and Central Luzon, which are active Dengue hot spots.
Seventeen local government units within these regions report increased Dengue cases in 2025.
This area of the Philippines includes the capital city of Manila, which has about 1.8 million residents.
The DOH has prepositioned thousands of Dengue IgG/IgM and RDT test kits to augment local testing efforts.
As of February 15, 2025, the DOH had reported 43,732 cases this year, 56% more than the 27,995 cases recorded in the same period last year.
Furthermore, this year's case fatality ratio, at 0.38%, is lower than the 0.42% observed in 2024.
Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa commented in a press release on February 21, 2025, "Keep the inside and outside of the house dry—do not allow (Dengue-infected) mosquitoes to breed."
"Wear long sleeves and pants, and use anti-mosquito lotion or spray."
"Consult early if you have symptoms. Don't worry about the cost; PhilHealth will cover it."
The U.S. CDC recently updated its Travel Health Advisory to alert the millions of international travelers who visit the Philippines annually. While Dengue vaccines are no longer available in the U.S., the CDC recommends discussing immunization options with a travel vaccine expert.
When selecting an island destination for vacation in 2025, an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of the Republic of Ecuador may be a great destination.
Named for their giant tortoises, 18 main Galápagos islands are centered on Baltra, the home to the primary commercial and private airport that welcomes about 265,000 visitors yearly.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health agencies, the Galapagos Islands do not have any targeted health advisories in effect as of late February 2025.
Furthermore, the CDC says there are no vaccination requirements for visiting the Galapagos, as the disease risk is very low across the archipelago.
However, the CDC does recommend that all travelers be up-to-date on routine vaccines like tetanus and measles. Other vaccine options include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid fever, especially if you plan to visit areas of Ecuador besides the Galápagos.
However, if you spend time in Ecuador, the CDC warns travelers about two viruses that spread primarily through infected midges and mosquitoes.
In 2025, both Oropouche and Dengue travel advisories include Ecuador, which extends to Galápagos.
"The Galápagos Islands are a popular choice for travelers to view wildlife up close in stunning landscapes and varied island ecologies," Jeri Beales, MSN, RN, informed Vax-Before-Tarvel News.
"From a health perspective, there is no concern for malaria or yellow fever on any of the islands, but mosquitos are known to carry dengue fever, so visitors need to prevent bites while visiting."
"And you should have a health professional look over your vaccine records before leaving to ensure you're up-to-date on CDC recommended immunizations. If you plan to combine a trip to the Galápagos with areas of mainland Ecuador, be sure to mention this to your doctor or travel clinic because there are other health risks to consider," added Beales, who leads Destination Health Clinic, a Boston-area travel health provider specializing in health education and vaccination for international travelers.
Additionally, there has been evidence of transmission of Chikungunya, Malaria, Yellow Fever, and the Zika virus in Ecuador within the last five years.
Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required for most travelers arriving in Ecuador from Brazil.
From a safety perspective, the U.S. Department of State ranks Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands as Level 2 destinations. While several areas in Equador are at risk, and visitors should exercise increased caution, the islands 500 miles to the west are not mentioned by the State Department.
If you travel to Ecuador, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive digital alerts, making locating you in an emergency easier. Or visit the U.S. Embassy in Quito, Ecuador.
As the Galápagos Islands are a year-round travel destination, the local government strives to ensure everyone has a healthy and safe visit in 2025.
The previously scheduled U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) meeting to determine which strains of influenza should be used in the 2025-2026 seasonal influenza vaccines is no longer listed on the FDA website.
As of February 27, 2025, Inside Medicine reported that a current VRBPAC member confirmed the schedule change.
The VRBPAC meets twice yearly to evaluate the effectiveness of approved flu shots and determine if the influenza strains have changed between the Southern and Northern hemispheres. Once a determination is rendered, the FDA coordinates with vaccine manufacturers and the World Health Organization.
The FDA uses committees and panels to obtain independent expert advice on scientific, technical, and policy matters.
While the Zika virus has been detected since 1947 and caused significant outbreaks in the Region of the Americas in 2015/2016, the Argentine Republic historically reported very few cases.
However, new data published by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) indicates a significant Zika outbreak is underway. As of February 27, 2025, Argentina has reported 288 Zika cases in 2025.
Last year, Argentina reported 564 Zika cases for the entire year.
In 2021, the U.S. CDC removed its Level 2 Travel Advisory focused on Argentina's Zika outbreak.
Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes transmit the Zika virus, the same ones that spread dengue and chikungunya, which are found throughout the Americas.
Argentina is the second-largest country in South America, but is geographically close to Brazil, which is the unfortunate leader in Zika cases. In 2024, Brazil reported over 42,000 Zika cases.
In addition to Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru reported significant Zika cases in 2024. In the United States, Puerto Rico reported 16 Zika cases last year.
From a prevention perspective, most health agencies recommend avoiding being bitten by infected mosquitoes.
Argentina's health agency says pregnant women, women of reproductive age, or sexually active women should take extreme preventive and protective measures, as Zika infection during pregnancy is associated with severe birth defects.
Therefore, pregnant women should avoid traveling to areas where the Zika virus transmission is active.
Hopefully, an innovative Zika vaccine candidate (VLA1601) will soon complete clinical trials, offering an additional preventive option for international travelers.
Note: This news article regarding travel notice removal was updated on March 26, 2025.
Over the initial weeks of 2025, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has been reporting on an ongoing outbreak. Today, DSHS confirmed a school-aged child, an unvaccinated hospitalized patient in Lubbock, Texas, has died from measles.
As of February 26, 2025, DSHS stated eighteen additional measles patients were hospitalized throughout the outbreak.
Texas has reported 126 measles cases this year: two in Harris County, 80 in Gaines County, and 21 in Terry County, Dawson, Yokaum, Ecktor, Lynn, and San Marcus Counties.
The Dallam-Hartley Counties Hospital District in north Texas recently said several measles cases have been confirmed.
Additionally, measles exposures have been reported adjacent to Texas universities in 2025.
"As a healthcare professional, it is with a heavy heart that I address the recent measles outbreak in Texas, which has now claimed the life of a school-age child. This is the first measles-related death in the United States since 2015 and the first measles cases in Texas since 2023," V. Yvette Cheeks MSN, RN, NPE-C, informed Vax-Before-Travel News.
"We urge parents and guardians to vaccinate their children according to the recommended immunization schedule. If you or your child have not been vaccinated, be sure to get in touch with your healthcare provider immediately to discuss your options," added Cheeks, owner of the Immunization Clinic in
Missouri City, TX.
Although the data is delayed, the U.S. CDC has reported 93 measles cases in eight jurisdictions this year.
The CDC and DSHS strongly recommend most people speak with their healthcare provider about getting the MMR vaccine.
This CDC recommendation was recently highlighted in the Level 1 Global Measles Outbreak advisory that highlighted 57 counties reporting measles cases.
The mosquito-transmitted chikungunya disease virus has been reported in Brazil since 2014, with 2024 setting record increases in cases and associated fatalities.
According to Brazil's Ministry of Health Arboviruses report on February 25, 2025, 16 confirmed chikungunya deaths were confirmed this year, on pace with the 236 deaths in 2024.
Unlike last year, the case/death ratio currently exceeds the data reported in the previous year.
In Brazil's hot spot, Sao Paulo State's ratio (2,063/1) appears to be on pace with 2024.
When visiting Brazil, the U.S. CDC says vaccination is recommended for people aged 65 years or older, especially those with underlying medical conditions, who may spend at least 2 weeks (cumulative time) in indoor or outdoor areas where mosquitoes are present in Brazil, or those planning to stay in Brazil for a cumulative period of 6 months or more.
From a risk mitigation perspective, the U.S. FDA-approved chikungunya vaccine is more widely available in 2025, as most travel clinics and pharmacies will offer this innovative vaccine to international travelers visiting outbreak areas.
Over the past few years, the Republic of El Salvador has significantly rekindled its tourism industry. During 2024, market research data indicates about 17% more people, about 4 million, visited this Central American country's beaches and mountains.
One of the factors behind this tourism increase is safety.
In March 2022, the Government of El Salvador declared a "State of Exception", which remains effective in late February 2025.
The U.S. Department of State reissued its Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, Travel Advisory, which stated that crime activity has dropped significantly over the last three years.
The State Department wrote on February 7, 2025, that hikers should engage local guides certified by the national or local tourist authority when in backcountry areas. They should also use caution and follow water condition warnings when swimming near El Salvador's beaches.
Additionally, the U.S. recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive Alerts from the U.S. Embassy, which can help locate you in an emergency.
From a health perspective, El Salvador, like its neighboring countries, continues reporting mosquito-transmitted diseases such as chikungunya (2), dengue (411), and Zika (6) cases as of February 25, 2025.
Last year, the U.S. Embassy reported that a Red Alert warning had been issued for excessive dengue cases in 2024.
"Because of its natural beauty and improving public safety, more travelers are choosing a vacation getaway to El Salvador. While there is no risk of malaria and yellow fever, visitors do need to protect against other mosquito diseases like dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika and use insect repellents for skin and clothing," Jeri Beales MSN, RN, BS informed Vax-Before-Travel News.
"Some travelers to El Salvador may benefit from the chikungunya vaccine, but there is no vaccine available yet in the US against dengue fever and zika."
"Other routine and travel vaccines like hepatitis A and typhoid fever are recommended by public health, but it's best to speak with your doctor or local travel clinic to review your vaccine records before leaving, added Beales, with Destination Health Travel Clinic in Massachusetts (Braintree, Natick, Longmeadow).
The U.S. CDC suggests speaking with a travel vaccine expert about vaccination options at least one month before visiting disease outbreak areas such as El Salvador.
Note: This news article was updated on Feb. 26, 2025, to include travel vaccine expert insight.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recently released its latest Annual Epidemiological Reports on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), revealing continued increases across Europe.
The findings highlight the urgent need for increased public awareness, prevention, testing, and treatment efforts to address this growing public health concern.
For example, in 2023, nearly 100,000 confirmed cases of gonorrhea were reported in EU/EEA countries, showing a 31% increase compared to 2022 and a striking increase of more than 300% compared to 2014.
The highest rates among women were within the age group 20 to 24, which is also the group with the steepest increase in 2023 (46%).
The ECDC says if left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to significant health problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility in both men and women. It emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to address the rising STI rates.
From a prevention perspective, new and repurposed vaccines will be evaluated in 2025.
GSK's investigational vaccine (NgG) for Neisseria gonorrhoeae received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Fast Track designation in 2023.
Various studies have also reported the effectiveness of a serogroup B outer membrane vesicle meningococcal vaccine in preventing gonorrhea infections. On July 8, 2024, the Journal of Infection published results from a systematic review and meta-analysis that found Outer Membrane Vesicles vaccine effectiveness against gonorrhea ranged from 22% to 46%.
On February 10, 2025, the ECDC wrote, 'Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent further transmission and potential complications. If you suspect you may have contracted an STI, seek medical advice immediately.'
