Lassa fever, a viral hemorrhagic fever, is usually transmitted by rodents, but human to human transmission through bodily secretions is possible. Recently a surgeon from The Netherlands working in Kenema, Sierra Leone, was diagnosed with Lassa Fever after returning home and later died. Also, a member of the UN peacekeeping force stationed in Freetown, has been diagnosed with Lassa fever. Travelers should avoid contact with rats and report any high fever to their physicians. Leishmaniasis is common in southern Europe.
Dogs are the main reservoir and the infection is transmitted by sandflies.
Travelers should take precautions to avoid sandfly bites. Dengue in the Philippines and El Salvador and Bangladesh Ref. ProMed, July 1 and 23, 2000. An outbreak of dengue fever is occurring in the northern Philippine province of Pangasinan. Deaths have been reported in the cities of Dagupan and San Carlos, and in the towns of Calasiao and Malasiqui.