Category: New Zealand Government

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

Outbreaks of Polio

Polio is an infectious disease caused by a virus that can spread from person to person or through contaminated water or food. Many people who are infected don’t feel sick or have symptoms.  Some people have only minor symptoms such as fever, nausea, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, stiffness in the neck and back, and pain in the arms and legs.  A small proportion of those with symptoms develop paralysis.

The World Health Organization has advised of an increase in polio activity in areas which have previously seen eradication.  This includes New York (widespread wastewater detection as well as a confirmed case), Jerusalem (a confirmed case), London (wastewater detections), and Aceh province, Indonesia (four cases from the same community).This has led to a declaration of a State of Emergency in New York, with a view to increasing immunisation rates to prevent future outbreaks, and catch up and booster vaccination programmes in London and Israel.   The overall risk of a polio disease transmission in New Zealand due to importation is low. The risk of ongoing transmission in New Zealand is also low.  While we have high levels of sanitation and the ability of the health system to respond to cases in New Zealand, there has been a decline in childhood vaccination coverage in the context of COVID-19. 

Indonesia
In December 2023, two cases of polio were detected in Indonesia, the first case from Klaten district, Central Java province, with a history of recent travel to Sampang district, East Java province.  The second case from Pamekasan district in East Java province.  Two environmental samples taken from the Saksak River, Bangkalan district East, Java province in December 2023, also tested positive for polio.  There have been four cases reported in Indonesia in 2021 and one case in 2022.

In response to this polio outbreak, Indonesia has initiated several public health responses including contact tracing, active case finding and risk assessment.  Catch-up on routine immunisation is being initiated to enhance vaccine coverage.

The overall risk is assessed as high at the national level in Indonesia and moderate at the western pacific regional level.  WHO recommends that all travellers to polio-affected countries be fully vaccinated against polio.

The international poliovirus situation is evolving, likely due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic such as interruptions to immunisation and other health services, exacerbated by conflict and complex emergencies in some fragile states. The New Zealand Ministry of Health continues to closely monitor the situation.

More information about the situation in infected regions can be found on the World Health Organisation  and Global Polio Eradication Initiative  websites

Prevention
There is no cure, but polio can be prevented through vaccination.  Good hand washing practices can help prevent the spread of this disease.  Because the virus that causes polio lives in the faeces (poop) of an infected person, people infected with the disease can spread it to others when they do not wash their hands well after using the toilet.  People can also be infected if they drink water or eat food contaminated with infected faeces.

Health advice
Infections from vaccine-derived poliovirus occur on occasion in countries still using live poliovirus vaccine, and has now been seen in countries that do not use live poliovirus vaccine (e.g. USA) Vaccination against polio before travel will protect against these outbreaks. New Zealand does not use live poliovirus vaccine. New Zealanders travelling to polio-affected areas (please refer to the list of endemic countries or countries with poliovirus outbreak) should be up to date with routinely recommended vaccinations against polio, including boosters, prior to departure. More specifically:

• New Zealand residents planning to visit these areas for less than 4 weeks should be up to date with their polio vaccination. For adults, this is a 3 dose primary course, with a booster within the last 10 years. For children, a 3 dose primary course with a booster at 4 years old is currently recommended. These recommended vaccines may be given before arrival into the region.
• New Zealand residents intending to stay for longer than 4 weeks should have a documented polio booster within 4 weeks to 12 months prior to the date of departure.  The booster may be given before arrival, as long as it is given within 4 weeks to 12 months prior to leaving the region .
• Individuals who are already residing in the affected region for 4 weeks or longer should have a documented polio booster within 4 weeks to 12 months prior to departure. The booster may have been given before arrival, as long as it has been given within 4 weeks to 12 months prior to leaving. Individuals leaving in less than 4 weeks should still receive a polio booster as this will still have benefit.
• Travellers should be provided with a written record of such vaccination, preferably using the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, and keep this record during international travels.

This advice is in addition to any other travel-specific vaccinations that may be required.

Polio has been eradicated from New Zealand and from most of the countries around the world.

Useful links:

–          Polio Global Eradication Initiative 

–          World Health Organization. “Vaccine-preventable diseases and vaccines.” 

Associated Advisories:

Associated Pages:

Reviewed:19 Feb 2024, 13:30

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

Brazil: Carnival 2024

Brazil’s annual Carnival festivals take place in February, with the Rio Carnival scheduled for 9 February – 17 February 2024. These events are usually associated with an influx of foreign visitors to Brazil. New Zealanders planning on attending this year’s festivals or travelling in Brazil during the Carnival period should read this information in conjunction with our travel advisory for Brazil.

Dengue
New Zealanders throughout Brazil are advised to follow any instructions issued by local authorities and monitor the media and other local sources for information on dengue hotspots. We recommend avoiding the worst affected areas, if possible. However, if this is not possible, use insect repellent, wear loose-fitting clothing, including long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and try to control the presence of mosquitos inside and outside your accommodation.

Before you go
All New Zealanders are encouraged to: 

·         Register your details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the SafeTravel website so we can contact you and account for your well-being in an emergency

·         Ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that provides cover for any pre-existing conditions and any activities you wish to undertake that may be excluded from regular policies

·         Check visa requirements for your travel to Brazil. In all cases your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of departure. Further information on passports and visas can be found here. 

·         Read our information and advice on the current outbreak of yellow fever in Brazil. 

·         Read our information and advice on dengue fever.

·         You can also find a travel checklist on SafeTravel and advice about what the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade can help with should something go wrong.

Safety and security
New Zealanders attending Carnival or travelling in Brazil during the Carnival period should be aware that there is a high level of violent crime in Brazil, which is particularly prevalent in major cities including Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Recife and Salvador and in the north of the country.  Crimes can include mugging, armed robbery, home invasion and sexual assault and often involves firearms or other weapons.

Street crime, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is also common, and increases around festive periods such as Carnival. Foreign tourists may be specifically targeted for theft, due to their perceived wealth.

Particular care is recommended while on public transport, where phones should be kept out of sight. Ensure you keep your passport, any jewellery and other personal belongings secure when staying in hostels. No resistance should be given if you are the victim of an armed robbery, mugging or other crime as this could lead to an escalation in violence.

Protests occur regularly in Brazilian cities, including Rio de Janeiro. New Zealanders are advised to avoid all political gatherings, protests and demonstrations as even those intended to be peaceful have the potential to turn violent. You should monitor local media for information on protests or strikes. New Zealanders who are in an area affected by demonstrations or violence should leave the immediate vicinity and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities. 

As a precaution against drink spiking, never leave your drink unattended in a bar or nightclub and be cautious accepting drinks from strangers and recent acquaintances.  Victims of spiked drinks have been robbed and sometimes assaulted.

Money
Take a variety of means to access money. A visit to the bank in Brazil can be complicated. For safety reasons, we recommend that you use ATMs during daylight hours and located within shopping malls or bank branches. Carry just enough money for your daily expenses, and keep it in internal pockets. Irrespective of the branding on ATMs (e.g. – carrying a ‘Plus’ system sign) you may need to try several machines before meeting with success. Do not accept help from strangers at the ATM machine.

Where to get help
In an emergency, call:

Police (Polícia) – 190
Ambulance (Ambulância) – 192
Fire (Bombeiros) – 193

In Rio de Janeiro, tourist police can be contacted on (21) 2334 6802 
The Sao Paulo Tourist Police can be contacted on (11) 3151 4167

Consular assistance
New Zealanders requiring consular assistance in Brazil should contact: 

New Zealand Embassy, Brasilia
Street Address: SHIS QI 09, conj. 16, casa 01, Lago Sul 71625-160, Brasilia DF, Brazil
Telephone: + 55 61 3248 9900
Email: embaixada.novazelandia@mfat.net

 

Associated Advisories:

Updated:12 Feb 2024, 10:00

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel within 5km of the borders with Syria and Iraq, with the exception of the tourist site Umm Qais, due to military activity and the uncertain security situation. Jordanian authorities have increased security along the border with Syria and military activity has resulted in fatalities and injuries. (Level 4 of 4).

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Jordan due to the threat of terrorism and civil unrest. New Zealanders in Jordan should be aware that there is the potential for neighbouring conflicts in Syria and Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to affect the security situation in Jordan, including beyond the immediate border areas. A number of demonstrations have taken place in Jordan to protest events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Demonstrations are typically peaceful, but they can become confrontational. (Level 2 of 4).

Jordan

Situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Due to recent events, the land borders between Israel and the West Bank might be closed at short notice. Demonstrations have also taken place in Jordan in response to events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The security situation in the region remains unpredictable and could deteriorate without warning. New Zealanders traveling to Jordan should remain security conscious at all times.

Terrorism
There is an ongoing threat of terrorism throughout Jordan. Jordanian security forces continue to conduct security operations across Jordan to prevent attacks. Attacks could be indiscriminate and target places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Possible targets for attacks could include government buildings and security forces, embassies, places of worship, hotels, markets, shopping malls, restaurants, cafes, bars, public transport hubs, tourist sites and western businesses.

In November 2019, a lone attacker with a knife injured eight people, including four tourists near the Visitor’s Centre at the Jerash Roman ruins.

New Zealanders in Jordan are advised to maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, particularly in areas known to be frequented by expatriates and foreigners, and monitor the media for information on potential threats to safety and security. Take official warnings seriously, and follow any instructions and advice issued by the Jordanian authorities. Be alert to possible attacks and have an exit plan.

Civil Unrest
Demonstrations and protests are common in Jordan and may be triggered by political developments and events in both Jordan and the wider region. These often occur on Fridays after midday prayers and while gatherings may be intended as peaceful, there is potential for them to turn violent. Demonstrations have also occurred on university campuses, some involving firearms.

New Zealanders in Jordan are advised to avoid all demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings as even those intended as peaceful have the potential to turn violent with little warning. Follow news reports and be aware of local sensitivities on these issues. Be prepared to change your travel plans if disruptions occur from civil unrest.

Landmines
Landmines and unexploded munitions are located near some military installations and borders, including in the Dead Sea area. These areas are usually fenced and marked with skull-and-crossbones signs, although some of these may be damaged. New Zealanders are advised not to stray off well used roads and paths in these areas, and to seek local advice.

Borders
Official military and police patrol land borders with Syria and Iraq, which can be closed at short notice. Military activity in these border areas is frequent due to ongoing conflict in these countries, including shelling and gunfire.

Crime
Petty crime such as pickpocketing, bag snatching and theft can occur in Jordan, especially at tourist sites and in crowded areas. We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings. As victims of robbery can be targeted due to their perceived wealth, it is advisable to avoid wearing or displaying items that appear valuable, such as electronic devices and jewellery.

Assaults, robberies, theft from vehicles and attempted residential break-ins have been reported but are not common. If you hire a car, it is advisable to keep the doors locked and windows up at all times, and hide valuables from view.

Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention and harassment. Incidents of harassment range from lewd comments and gestures to inappropriate physical contact. On occasion, this can escalate to sexual assault. Female travellers should take extra care, especially if alone and particularly at night. Women should always sit in the back if taking a taxi, particularly when travelling alone. Don’t accept lifts from strangers.

Celebratory gunfire is illegal but common. It has occasionally resulted in injury and death.

Tribal Violence
Disputes between tribes, clans, or families periodically erupt and sometimes involve violence, including the use of firearms. You should follow news reports and, if caught in an incident, leave the area and follow any police instructions given.

Scams
Commercial and internet fraud occurs in Jordan. New Zealanders should be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be a scam. For further information see our advice on Internet Fraud and International Scams.

Scammers also work in tourist areas, and have been known to target single women.

Credit card fraud, including by the use of card-skimming devices, has been reported.

General Travel Advice
New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Jordan to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour. Public displays of affection are not considered socially acceptable and may offend. Proselytising or encouraging conversion to any faith other than Islam is illegal, though the personal practice of other religions is accepted.

Making a critical or defamatory comment about the Hashemite Royal Family is illegal and may lead to detainment or imprisonment. 

Only use licensed taxis, preferably those arranged through your hotel and insist that the meter is used.

We advise leaving your passport in a safe place and carrying a photocopy for identification purposes, to present at police checkpoints.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines, even for small amounts.

Photography of government offices, military or security establishments or officials, and of people without their consent, is prohibited and could result in detention. If in doubt, don’t take a picture.

Droughts, flash floods and sand and dust storms occur.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Jordan should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air. Medical facilities outside of major cities are generally basic.

New Zealanders in Jordan are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

 

Travel tips

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The New Zealand Embassy Ankara, Türkiye is accredited to Jordan

Street Address Kizkulesi Sokak No.11, Gaziosmanpasa, Ankara , Türkiye Telephone + 90 312 446 3333 Fax +90 312 446 3317 Email newzealandembassyankara@gmail.com Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/middle-east/turkey/new-zealand-embassy-to-turkey/ Hours Mon – Fri 0830 – 1700

New Zealand Honorary Consulate Amman, Jordan

Street Address Muqabalain – Al-Quds Street, Jwico’s Factory, Amman, Jordan Postal Address PO Box 5272 Amman, 11183, Jordan Telephone +962 6 420 5112 Fax +962 6 420 5113 Email nz.consulate@jwico.com

See our regional advice for the Middle East