Canada issues travel advisory updates for several countries

Canada has shared a travel advisory update for popular destinations such as Italy, Spain, Greece, China, and India.

On Wednesday, the Government of Canada updated its travel advisory, warning tourists of potential health risks when travelling to Italy, Spain, India, Greece, China, and other destinations. The advisory highlights the risk of visceral leishmaniasis, a rare but potentially serious disease.

Visceral leishmaniasis is one of three types of leishmaniasis, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). The three types include: cutaneous leishmaniasis, mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (also called mucosal leishmaniasis), and visceral leishmaniasis.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis affects the skin and is the most common, and it can sometimes heal on its own. In extreme cases, mucocutaneous leishmaniasis can cause disfiguration when it’s not treated. They're found in parts of Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Southern Europe, and while they're common in rural areas, they can also be found in urban settings.

The latest health updates refer to visceral leishmaniasis, an infection that spreads through the bite of an infected sandfly, and symptoms can take months or weeks to appear. However, symptoms could appear sooner in people with weakened immune systems.

There are several symptoms to keep an eye out for, such as fever, weight loss, an enlarged liver or spleen, and anemia. The infection can be fatal without treatment, so anyone who thinks they have visceral leishmaniasis should immediately speak to a health-care provider. There's currently no vaccine or medication to prevent the infection; however, treatment is available for all three types of infections.

Canadians can protect themselves from sandfly bites by avoiding outdoor activities between sunset and sunrise when they're most active. It's also important to sleep in air-conditioned or screened-in rooms and use treated bed nets. Since sandflies fly near the ground, avoid placing your tent near animal burrows when camping, as some animals could be carriers.

If you're heading to any of the affected destinations, visit the PHAC site for more information.