Communicable Disease Service

Traveler’s Health 

It is important to stay aware of circulating diseases while traveling. Our goal is to ensure healthy travel and keep you informed with the latest travel-related updates and alerts. Policies and practices may change regularly, so be sure to check this website for updated information.

ALERT! FIRST MARBURG VIRUS DISEASE OUTBREAK IN THE REPUBLIC OF RWANDA

The Republic of Rwanda has confirmed several cases of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in hospitals around the country, including some deaths. MVD is a rare but severe hemorrhagic fever, similar to Ebola, that can cause serious illness and death. Currently, there are no cases of Marburg in the United States and the risk of this virus in the United States is low. 

Read more here. 

ALERT! INCREASED OROPOUCHE VIRUS RISK TO TRAVELERS 

There is currently an increase in Oropouche virus disease in South America and the Carribean which is spread to people primarily by the bite of infected biting midges, and some mosquitoes. All travelers should protect themselves by using EPA-registered insect repellent when traveling to these areas.  

Read more here.  

ALERT! INCREASED MPOX RISK TO TRAVELERS 

There is currently an increase in mpox cases in the DRC which has spread to neighboring countries. If you travel to DRC or neighboring countries practice enhanced precautions.  

Read more here. 

ALERT! INCREASED RISK OF POLIO TO INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS 

There are currently many international destinations where polio is circulating. There is no cure, but there are safe and effective vaccines to prevent polio. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines.  

Read more here.  

ALERT! INCREASED RISK OF DENGUE VIRUS INFECTION IN THE UNITED STATES 

There is currently an increased risk of dengue virus infections in the U.S. due to ongoing outbreaks in the Americas. Dengue is caused by the bite of an infected mosquito. It is important to prevent mosquito bites by using EPA-registered insect repellent during travel to and after returning from areas with frequent or continuous dengue transmission.   

Read more here.   

Be sure to follow all state and local recommendations and requirements. If traveling by air, check airline requirements prior to your flight. Delay travel if you are feeling sick 

COVID-19

• It is recommended to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.
• Taking a COVID-19 test is recommended if you:
  • Develop symptoms before, during, or after travel
  • Will be traveling to visit someone who is at high risk for COVID-19
  • Were in high-risk situations such as being in crowded places without wearing a well-fitting mask. 
  • If you have had COVID-19 within the last 90 days, see these specific testing recommendations. 

Be sure to use the international travel checker to help you follow all recommendations and requirements for your destination. Certain destinations may require specific vaccines prior to entering. If traveling by air, check airline requirements prior to your flight. Delay travel if you feel sick

• International Travel Checker

COVID-19

• It is recommended to delay international travel until you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine.
• Taking a COVID-19 test is recommended if you:
  • Develop symptoms before, during, or after travel
  • Will be traveling to visit someone who is at high risk for COVID-19
  • Were in high risk situations such as being crowded places without wearing a well-fitting mask. 
  • If you have had COVID-19 within the last 90 days, see these specific testing recommendations.
• Free or low-cost treatment is also available to at Community Health Centers also known as FQHC’s. This treatment is available to you regardless of immigration status and whether you have insurance or not. Click here to locate a FQHC near you.

Mosquitoes and ticks can make you sick as they both carry and spread diseases. Mosquito and tick bites can occur anywhere, especially during travel. Take the steps below when travel plans are in motion to avoid bites, prevent illness, and monitor for symptoms.  

Before  

• Check your domestic or international destination before traveling to know what mosquito and tickborne diseases are of concern.   

• Choose hotel and lodging with air conditioning and screens on windows and doors.  

• If sleeping outside, make sure to pack a mosquito net to sleep under.   

• Remember to pack EPA-registered insect repellent. 

• Depending on what you plan to do while traveling, consider packing clothing/gear pre-treated with permethrin.  

• Discuss with a healthcare provider if you should receive any vaccines to prevent vector-borne diseases (e.g., yellow fever or tickborne encephalitis).  If traveling internationally to a place where Malaria is present, be sure to discuss preventive medication (antimalarials) with a healthcare provider before your trip.   

During   

• Cover up! Wear a long sleeve shirt and pants.  

• Use EPA-registered insect repellent, reapply as directed. 

• If also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second. 

• Check yourself for ticks when spending time outdoors where ticks may be present. Shower soon after coming indoors, this can help remove ticks that haven’t attached yet or find ones needing removal.  

After  

• Avoid mosquito bites for 3 weeks after international travel to prevent the spread of travel-related diseases to mosquitoes in New Jersey, which could then be transmitted to other people. 

• Monitor yourself for symptoms of illness upon return. Common early symptoms of mosquito and tickborne diseases include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, and fatigue.  

• See a healthcare professional if you begin feeling sick and be sure to notify them of recent travel and time spent outdoors. 

Additional information: If you have been prescribed medication to prevent malaria, be sure to take the entire course as directed which may include before, during, and after travel.

Click here more general information on vector-borne diseases.

Chikungunya | Dengue | Malaria | St. Louis Encephalitis | Yellow fever | Zika 

If you are feeling sick before your cruise, it is recommended to not travel, and you should ask your cruise line about other options such as rescheduling. Watch out for respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, influenza, and the common cold. Get your annual flu shot, stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines, and check if you're eligible for an RSV vaccine. Check in with your cruise line directly to see if they have any testing or vaccination requirements in place.  

• Cruise Ship Information 

• Prepare a travel health kit