Volume 26, Issue 3, 2019

Observations that influenza vaccine effectiveness declines within a few months after vaccination have important implications for travellers. Influenza vaccination prior to travel to areas where influenza is circulating needs to be considered even when a vaccine has been administered within the past year. However, recently described short-term benefits from early revaccination need to be weighed against the potential for reduced effectiveness with frequent revaccination.

Can dengue virus be sexually transmitted? A literature review revealed one probable case of female-to-male transmission. Even if dengue PCR can occasionally be found in semen or vaginal secretions, reports on sexual transmission are extremely rare. Sexual transmission of DENV has no public health significance.

• For rabies prevention among travellers the priority measures are to increase awareness and to instruct dog bite avoidance

• The new WHO PrEP schedule is safe, rapidly completed and markedly reduces costs

• Differing national recommendations result in loss of confidence among travellers

• Rabies PrEP deserves a higher priority within travel vaccines

A 66-year-old man with indolent systemic mastocytosis presented with a plaque-like cutaneous lesion at his right inguinal region. He had travelled to various African countries in the years before. Pathological examination revealed a granulomatous infiltrate surrounding eggs of Schistosoma haematobium. Ectopic cutaneous schistosomiasis was therefore diagnosed, for which he was treated with Praziquantel.