Wednesday, May 5, 2010

WHO advises caution when in South Africa

Thursday May 6, 2010

GENEVA: The World Health Organisation (WHO) have advised tourists in South Africa to guard against mosquito bites and contact with animals after a Rift Valley Fever outbreak.

The United Nations health agency issued the warning on Tuesday after a woman fell ill in Germany after a three-week trip in South Africa, who host football’s World Cup from June 11-July 11.

Around 350,000 fans are expected.

South Africa’s Health Ministry have reported 172 cases of the animal virus disease, including 15 deaths, across five provinces.

The German patient, who has since recovered, developed flu-like symptoms visiting the Eastern and Western Cape, which include the World Cup venues of Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.

WHO did not advise avoiding South Africa. — AP

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