Laura Pezzi, Selin Sen, Nazli Ayhan, Silvia Serrano Alvarez, Mayling Alvarez Vera, Guillaume André Durand, Gilda Grard, Vittoria Colizza, Maria Guadalupe Guzman, Xavier de Lamballerie, Raphaelle Klitting
{"title":"Re-emergence of chikungunya virus in the Caribbean: travel-associated cases imported from Cuba to France, 2025.","authors":"Laura Pezzi, Selin Sen, Nazli Ayhan, Silvia Serrano Alvarez, Mayling Alvarez Vera, Guillaume André Durand, Gilda Grard, Vittoria Colizza, Maria Guadalupe Guzman, Xavier de Lamballerie, Raphaelle Klitting","doi":"10.1093/jtm/taag018","DOIUrl":"10.1093/jtm/taag018","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":17407,"journal":{"name":"Journal of travel medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13217238/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147444376","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yesim Tozan, Tyler Y Headley, Fernando de la Calle-Prieto, Diana Pou Ciruelo, Susana Lloveras, Sofia Elena Echazarreta, Daniel Camprubí-Ferrer, Federico G Gobbi, Davidson H Hamer, Hannah Emetulu, Marta Díaz-Menéndez, Ralph Huits
{"title":"Out-of-pocket costs of chikungunya in travellers: the 2022-23 Paraguay outbreak†.","authors":"Yesim Tozan, Tyler Y Headley, Fernando de la Calle-Prieto, Diana Pou Ciruelo, Susana Lloveras, Sofia Elena Echazarreta, Daniel Camprubí-Ferrer, Federico G Gobbi, Davidson H Hamer, Hannah Emetulu, Marta Díaz-Menéndez, Ralph Huits","doi":"10.1093/jtm/taag019","DOIUrl":"10.1093/jtm/taag019","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":17407,"journal":{"name":"Journal of travel medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147499474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Patricia Nadal-Barón, Mª Assumpció Bou-Monclus, Glòria Ferrús Serra, Sergio Pardo Granell, Sofia Minguell Vergés, Susana Cerdán López, Ana Bocio Sanz, Ana I Martínez Mateo, Itziar Martínez Calleja, Rosa Mercè Vileu Vallverdú, Beatriz Villar Navas, Elena García Bueno, Irene Corbella, Jessica Navero-Castillejos, Cristina Andrés, Andrés Antón, Carmen Chacón, Jacobo Mendioroz, Esteve Fernández Muñoz, Miguel J Martínez, Elena Sulleiro
{"title":"An autochthonous outbreak of dengue in Spain in 2024.","authors":"Patricia Nadal-Barón, Mª Assumpció Bou-Monclus, Glòria Ferrús Serra, Sergio Pardo Granell, Sofia Minguell Vergés, Susana Cerdán López, Ana Bocio Sanz, Ana I Martínez Mateo, Itziar Martínez Calleja, Rosa Mercè Vileu Vallverdú, Beatriz Villar Navas, Elena García Bueno, Irene Corbella, Jessica Navero-Castillejos, Cristina Andrés, Andrés Antón, Carmen Chacón, Jacobo Mendioroz, Esteve Fernández Muñoz, Miguel J Martínez, Elena Sulleiro","doi":"10.1093/jtm/taag030","DOIUrl":"10.1093/jtm/taag030","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Autochthonous dengue transmission is increasingly being reported in temperate regions of Europe, particularly in areas with established Aedes albopictus populations and high population mobility. We describe a locally acquired dengue outbreak identified in Vila-seca (Tarragona, north-eastern Spain), which involved eight confirmed cases, two of which were asymptomatic, and the associated public health response.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Following the notification of two non-travel-associated dengue cases in September 2024 at Hospital Universitari de Tarragona Joan XXIII, epidemiological, virological, and entomological investigations were conducted led by Public Health Agency of Catalonia with the collaboration of microbiology departments of Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron and Hospital Clínic of Barcelona. Active case finding, contact tracing, laboratory confirmation, viral sequencing, and vector surveillance were implemented in the affected area of Vila-seca (Spain).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of eight confirmed dengue cases were identified. The index cases were two residents without travel history who presented with fever, rash, and myalgia and tested positive for dengue virus (DENV). Four additional cases were detected through active surveillance, including three household contacts employed at a nearby entertainment resort and one resident living approximately 160 meters from the index household. Two further epidemiologically linked cases were identified among French tourists following international alerts. All patients recovered, and no additional cases were detected after November 2024, coinciding with decreased vector activity. Virological analysis confirmed local transmission of DENV-1, genotype V (clade D.2). Entomological surveys demonstrated widespread Ae. albopictus presence in public and private settings, prompting immediate vector control interventions, although no infected mosquitoes were detected.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This outbreak illustrates the growing risk of DENV transmission in non-endemic European settings with intense tourist and occupational mobility. Rapid diagnostics, genomic surveillance, coordinated vector control, and timely international communication are essential to limit transmission and protect both residents and travellers, reinforcing the importance of a One Health approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":17407,"journal":{"name":"Journal of travel medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147729167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq, Harunor Rashid, Salim Parker, Ziad A Memish
{"title":"Public health preparedness and infectious disease risk management across religious mass gatherings: a comparative analysis of Hajj, Umrah, Arba'een and Kumbh Mela.","authors":"Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq, Harunor Rashid, Salim Parker, Ziad A Memish","doi":"10.1093/jtm/taag025","DOIUrl":"10.1093/jtm/taag025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Religious mass gatherings (MGs) such as Hajj, Umrah, Arba'een and Kumbh Mela attract tens to hundreds of millions of participants annually, posing unique challenges for infectious disease control, surveillance and health system preparedness.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a structured comparative analysis of these four MGs, evaluating attendance scale, participant demographics, governance structures, epidemiological risks and public health response strategies. Data were synthesized from international public health reports, peer-reviewed literature and national MG health policies.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Hajj attracts 1.8-3 million pilgrims annually from > 180 countries, while Umrah draws ~ 30 million yearly with similar global diversity. Arba'een hosts 20-22 million participants mainly from Iraq, Iran and neighbouring nations. Kumbh Mela peaks at tens of millions overall, exceeding 50 million on high days, predominantly Indian nationals plus international visitors. Common threats across these mass gatherings include respiratory pathogens, water- and food-borne illnesses and vaccine-preventable diseases, amplified by crowding and diverse origins. Successful public health responses emphasize pre-event vaccination (e.g. meningococcal ACWY for Saudi MGs), real-time surveillance systems and multisectoral coordination among stakeholders.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Comparable yet distinct, these MGs require tailored risk-based frameworks emphasizing leadership, surveillance, prevention and surge capacity. Our analysis proposes a unified model to strengthen global MG policies and practices, enhancing health security for future events.</p>","PeriodicalId":17407,"journal":{"name":"Journal of travel medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147618781","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Richard T Ngomba, Ian Heslop, Natasha Dsouza, Richard A Powell, Nicola Modugno, Keivan Armani
{"title":"Travel health needs and experiences of people living with Parkinson's disease and their carers: an exploratory qualitative study.","authors":"Richard T Ngomba, Ian Heslop, Natasha Dsouza, Richard A Powell, Nicola Modugno, Keivan Armani","doi":"10.1093/jtm/taag027","DOIUrl":"10.1093/jtm/taag027","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Travel is an important contributor to quality of life, independence and social participation. For people living with Parkinson's disease (PD), however, travel can pose unique health and logistical challenges. Despite the increasing emphasis on health-related quality of life in PD management, little is known about the travel needs of people living with PD. This study explored the travel experiences, needs, attitudes and practices of people living with PD, with the aim of informing future research, practice and guidance.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative study using the focus group methodology was conducted with 20 participants: 10 people living with PD and 10 carers. Data were analysed using a thematic content analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four overarching main themes were identified: (i) changing travel patterns; (ii) anxiety and stress of planning; (iii) travel challenges and adaptations; and (iv) addressing PD information gaps.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Travel presents challenges for people living with PD and their carers. This study highlights the complexity of these travel-related health needs and the need for a multidisciplinary and personalized approach. The implementation of dedicated information resources, training of operators and promotion of support networks are fundamental steps to improving the autonomy and well-being of patients and their partners/carers during travel.</p>","PeriodicalId":17407,"journal":{"name":"Journal of travel medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.5,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13217248/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147674619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hidden guests: uncovering the microbial reality of hotel environments.","authors":"Thundon Ngamprasertchai, Gerard T Flaherty","doi":"10.1093/jtm/taag020","DOIUrl":"10.1093/jtm/taag020","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":17407,"journal":{"name":"Journal of travel medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147474232","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jessica Navero Castillejos, Daniel Camprubí-Ferrer, Ricard Isanta, Natalia Rodríguez, David García, Alba Antequera, Aida Peiró-Mestres, Lucia Soler, Raul Ruiz, Alexander Navarro, Adán Fernández, Marta Gracia, Mireia Pujada, Patricia Rodríguez, Miguel J Martínez, Beatriz Escudero-Pérez
{"title":"Oropouche virus RNA persistence and antibody kinetics: a multi-specimen, genomic and serological analysis.","authors":"Jessica Navero Castillejos, Daniel Camprubí-Ferrer, Ricard Isanta, Natalia Rodríguez, David García, Alba Antequera, Aida Peiró-Mestres, Lucia Soler, Raul Ruiz, Alexander Navarro, Adán Fernández, Marta Gracia, Mireia Pujada, Patricia Rodríguez, Miguel J Martínez, Beatriz Escudero-Pérez","doi":"10.1093/jtm/taag023","DOIUrl":"10.1093/jtm/taag023","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Oropouche virus (OROV) is an emerging orthobunyavirus causing febrile illness in South America, yet data on viral kinetics, diagnostic samples and serological responses remain limited.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>We performed a comprehensive longitudinal analysis of OROV RNA detection, antibody responses and viral genomics in a returned traveller from Brazil to better characterize infection dynamics and inform diagnostic strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Multiple clinical specimens, including serum, plasma, whole blood, coagulated blood, urine, saliva and a vaginal swab, were collected from Day 3 to Day 126 post-symptom onset (p.s.o.) and tested using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and OROV-specific Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Near-complete viral genome sequencing (99.6% coverage) enabled genotyping and phylogenetic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>OROV RNA exhibited compartmental specificity. Whole blood showed prolonged and stable RNA detection for over 120 days p.s.o., representing one of the longest documented periods of OROV RNA persistence to date. Coagulated blood also remained positive at multiple time points, whereas serum and plasma demonstrated only short-term detectability. Urine showed detectable viral RNA from Day 4 to Day 30. Saliva tested positive at Day 7 p.s.o., while the vaginal swab was negative. Serologically, IgM peaked early and waned by Day 79, whereas IgG remained detectable through Day 126. In addition, sequencing confirmed infection with an American-lineage virus carrying reassorted genome segments clustering with Brazilian strains from 2024.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This case provides a detailed view of OROV infection kinetics in multiple compartments, demonstrating prolonged whole-blood RNA persistence, and complete genomic characterization. These findings have direct implications for diagnostics, surveillance and understanding OROV pathogenesis, particularly in returned travellers and settings with co-circulating arboviruses.</p>","PeriodicalId":17407,"journal":{"name":"Journal of travel medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147662756","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comment on Rapid Whole genome sequencing of Plasmodium DNA from cryptic malaria cases in UK travellers provides insights into infection origins, transmission, and antimalarial resistance.","authors":"Qiao Chen","doi":"10.1093/jtm/taag035","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jtm/taag035","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":17407,"journal":{"name":"Journal of travel medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147973436","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}