ECDC: Rapid Risk Assessment On Introduction Of Yellow Fever To Europe

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As we've seen with the rapid spread of Zika and Chikungunya throughout the Caribbean, Latin and South America, the introduction of a new arbovirus into a region where competent vectors and an immunologically naive population co-exist, can quickly lead to a public health crisis.

While Yellow Fever has been successfully eradicated from North America and Europe for decades, the mosquito vectors that transmit the virus are still present in some regions.

In 2010 the Eurosurveillance Journal devoted an entire issue to The Threat Of Vector Borne Diseases, including making the case for the reintroduction of  Yellow fever and dengue: a threat to Europe? by P Reiter.

 And just as with Dengue, Chikungunya, Malaria, and most recently Zika, the potential for limited re-introduction of Yellow Fever to the United States is not zero (see Could Yellow Fever Return to the United States? by Peter Hotez and Kristy Murray). 

So, after last year's hard learned lessons on Zika - a threat that is still ongoing  - the recent large outbreak of Yellow Fever in Brazil (see CDC  Level II Travel Notice: Yellow Fever in Brazil) has some in Europe and the United States wondering if this year's mosquito season will see the return of Yellow Fever.

Although large outbreaks are unlikely on either continent - the daily arrival of travelers from countries where the yellow fever virus is circulating does pose a risk of introducing the virus into the local mosquito population -  making localized outbreaks possible.

Places like Florida and Southern Texas are probably at greater risk of seeing local transmission than most of Europe, but the ECDC has released the following Rapid Risk Assessment that makes it clear that while the risks are currently very low, that situation could change.

I've only posted some excerpts, so follow the link to download and read the full report:

Yellow fever among travellers returning from South America, March 2017

Main conclusions and options for response

A travel-associated case of yellow fever has been reported by the Netherlands in March 2017 after travel to Suriname. During the past eight months, four travel-associated cases of yellow fever have been identified among EU travellers returning from South America. This represents a significant increase on four travel-associated cases of yellow fever among EU travellers during the last 27 years (1999 to July 2016). Brazil has been experiencing a yellow fever outbreak since January 2017 and travel recommendations have been updated accordingly [1,2]. Therefore, EU travellers travelling to areas at risk of yellow fever in South America should be informed of the potential exposure to yellow fever virus and an individual risk benefit analysis should be conducted during pre-travel medical consultation. The ongoing yellow fever outbreak in Brazil should be carefully monitored, as the establishment of an urban cycle of yellow fever would have the potential to rapidly affect a significant number of people. The risk of introduction and further transmission of the yellow fever virus in the EU is currently considered very low.

Advice to travellers

EU citizens who travel to, or live in areas where there is evidence of periodic or persistent yellow fever virus transmission, especially those in outbreak-affected regions, are advised to:

• Be aware of the risk of yellow fever in endemic areas throughout South America, including recently affected States in Brazil. WHO publishes a list of countries, territories and areas with yellow fever vaccination requirements and recommendations [1-3].• Check vaccination status and get vaccinated if necessary. Vaccination against yellow fever is recommended from nine months of age for people visiting or living in yellow fever risk areas. An individual risk benefit analysis should be conducted prior to vaccination, taking into account the period, destination, duration of travel and the likelihood of exposure to mosquitoes (e.g. rural areas, forests) as well as individual risk factors for adverse events following yellow fever vaccination.• Take measures to prevent mosquito bites indoors and outdoors, especially between sunrise and sunset when Aedes and sylvatic yellow fever mosquito vectors are most active [4]. These measures include:

− the use of mosquito repellent in accordance with the instructions indicated on the product label;− wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers;− sleeping or resting in screened/air-conditioned rooms, or using mosquito nets at night and during the day.

Advice to health professionals

Physicians, health professionals and travel health clinics should be provided with or have access to regularly updated information about areas with ongoing yellow fever transmission and should consider yellow fever in the differential diagnoses for illnesses in relation to travellers returning from affected areas.To reduce the risk of adverse events following immunisation, healthcare practitioners should be aware of contraindications and comply with the manufacturers' precautionary advice before administering yellow fever vaccine [5].

          (Continue . . .)
Source: ECDC: Rapid Risk Assessment On Introduction Of Yellow Fever To Europe

BofA Likely to Choose Dublin for Main EU Base After Brexit

BofA Likely to Choose Dublin for Main EU Base After Brexit

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Bank of America Corp. views Dublin as its default destination for a new hub inside the European Union if Brexit means the U.K. loses easy access to the single market, according to one of the firm's top ...

Source: BofA Likely to Choose Dublin for Main EU Base After Brexit

Poti’s Tourist Potential Still Far from Reach

Legends of Argonauts and Greek heroes make Poti's tranquil setting by the sea such an appealing destination. The locals are proud of their past, but the port is not yet noted as a tourist destination. Instead, its main activities are commercial, but there are plans by the city officials to modernize infrastructure and buildings that will make Poti more enjoyable for travelers.

Today, Poti is still visited by people interested in lesser-advertised European destinations, or by those who arrive in Georgia by ferry from neighboring countries. But soon, Poti may become increasingly touristic, because it has so much to offer due to proximity to the Kolkheti National Park, which is right now the main reason to visit Poti if you are not on your way to another Georgian destination.

Poti for Nature Lovers: Kolkheti National Park

Poti is fortunately surrounded by one of Georgia's national parks: the Kolkheti National Park. It is a protected natural area, but there are areas open to public visits, as well as organized tours offered by local operators, boat trips, guided hikes, horseback riding, walks, bird watching, and even diving. The park is recognized for its rare relics of the tropical and subtropical landscape, that stretched across the Eurasian continent approximately 10 million years. The park stretches over more than 29,000 hectares of land and sea. It has rich flora and fauna, with more than 190 species of birds, as well as amphibians, and mammals.

Some of the habitats of this humid lowland of Georgia standout with through unique features: Paliastomi Lake, which was once a lagoon opening into the Black Sea; Imnati Mire, which is a percolation bog; and the Kolkheti Forest. Tourists can see which areas can be visited by downloading this official brochure (.pdf). Information about the trails is also available in detail here. You can book a tour with Georgian Holidays.

Even a day at the beach in Poti can appeal to nature lovers, especially if you don't mind the occasional quadruped that stares at the waves (usually cows roam free on the dunes in some parts).

Architectural Landmarks of Poti

If you don't have time to escape the city, you can still enjoy Poti. A stroll down the Palm Boulevard is a relaxing way to spend an evening. Or see the Poti lighthouse at the end of Demetre Tavdadebuli Street, a cast iron structure from 1864. The landmark was built in England at the order of Czar Alexander II and was brought in Georgia with a steamship. This structure is one of the symbols of the city, and it is worth it to climb its 152 steps to the lantern room for the splendid views from its observation deck.

Another interesting landmark is the Poti Tower, part of the old Poti Fortress built by the Ottomans after their invasion in 1725. During the Russian Empire, the fortress served as a prison, and the tower still contains its remains and a working mechanical clock, brought from Paris in 1896 by Georgian writer Niko Nikoladze, who was also mayor of Poti from 1894 to 1912.

The Poti Soboro Cathedral is another noteworthy landmark of the city. It is a Georgian Orthodox church built in Neo-Byzantine style by architects A. Zelenko and M. Marfeld in 1907 after medieval Christian cathedrals in the Trabzon mountains and Hagia Sofia. Notably, the cathedral was built at the order of mayor Nikoladze, who chose for it a central location.

The World War II Victory monument designed by Elgudża Amaszukeli and Wachtang Dawitaia is another landmark worthy of attention, especially for its Soviet-style design. The names of over 3300 Poti residents killed between 1941-1945 (when Poti had about 7000 inhabitants) are inscribed on tablets of marble surrounding the object. At the heart of the monument, there is a statue of a soldier surrounded by the waves of the sea.

Poti for Culture Lovers

Poti is small and lacks cultural attractions with the potential to attract touristic interest. However, the Poti Museum of Colchian Culture is enough for a short visit. It occupies an architectural landmark (former merchant's house) from 1907 and tells the history of Kolkheti through archeological finds and documents.

Alternatively, you can check out the Poti Municipality Exhibition Hall to see works by local and Georgian contemporary artists and other events. Information about these is usually shared (in Georgian) on the official website of the city.

Source: Poti's Tourist Potential Still Far from Reach

Self-Driving Nissan LEAF Hits European Roads For First Time Ever – Video

Nissan LEAF's autonomous drive demonstration event – London

Nissan Intelligent Mobility

The world is facing serious challenges such as climate change, traffic congestion, road fatalities and increasing air pollution. Nissan is committed to addressing these challenges by making transportation safer, smarter, and more enjoyable, with the ultimate goal of achieving zero-emissions and zero-fatalities on the road. Nissan Intelligent Mobility is the roadmap to achieve it.

Guided by the vision of mobility for all, Nissan is implementing these innovations by bringing them from luxury segments to compact high volume models and ensuring everyone has access to the benefits. Nissan is making cars exciting partners for all of our customers.

Nissan Intelligent Mobility encompasses three core areas of innovation

Nissan Intelligent Driving helps to give customers more confidence through enhanced safety, control, and comfort for everyone on board. The building blocks for autonomous driving are already built into Nissan cars with extensive set of advanced safety features including Intelligent Around-View Monitor and Intelligent Lane Intervention. Autonomous drive technologies can already be found in certain Nissan vehicles today, including the Nissan Serena, the first model produced for the mass market to feature ProPILOT technology. Nissan has plans to extend this technology to more models in Europe, Japan, China and the United States, with 10 models to be launched by 2020 by the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

Nissan LEAF's autonomous drive demonstration event – London

Nissan Intelligent Power makes driving more exciting for customers by continuing to reduce emissions and increase fuel economy. Nissan is committed to a holistic approach to achieving zero-emission mobility by making internal combustion engines more efficient and putting more advanced technologies into our electric vehicles. We continue to advance a variety of powertrain technologies under Nissan Intelligent Power, which are most suitable to the different market segments and different regions across the world. We have a diverse range of EV-based technologies in our portfolio in addition to 100% electric vehicles, these technologies include e-Power (series-hybrid) and fuel cell electric vehicles. Each new technology supplements the portfolio, but does not supplant other technologies.

Nissan Intelligent Integration keeps customers more connected by conveniently linking Nissan cars to the wider society. Nissan is helping to shape a sustainable ecosystem enabling cars to interact with people, other cars and road infrastructure.  This approach will eventually lead to remote vehicle operation, reduced traffic jams, more efficient car-sharing, and improved energy management.

Nissan Intelligent Mobility is not about removing humans from the driving experience. Instead, it's about building a better future for Nissan customers where cars are their partners, and where drivers are more confident and more connected.

Source: Self-Driving Nissan LEAF Hits European Roads For First Time Ever – Video

Hard Rock Plans Third European Resort in Malta

March 10, 2017

Although most Americans would be hard-pressed to point it out on a map, Malta is a rising star among European destinations. Beloved for its Mediterranean climate, historic towns, and maritime culture, it's an ideal location for meetings and incentives -- and is about to become even more so thanks to Hard Rock International, which last week announced plans to open its third European resort on the island nation in 2020.

"In the past few years we've seen Malta's tourism sector on a steady rise, with the destination reporting nearly 2 million visitors in 2016," said Arthur Gauci, chief executive officer of Seabank Group, the hotel's Maltese developer. "As the world takes notice and Maltese tourism booms, we're thrilled to work with Hard Rock to bring an upscale and never-before-seen experience to the island."

Joining Hard Rock resorts in Ibiza and Tenerife, Spain, Hard Rock Hotel Malta will be located in the St. George's Bay area of St. Julian's, a town north of the Maltese capit al, Valletta. Part of a new mixed-use development called db City Centre -- which will boast a shopping mall, luxury residences, and modern office spaces -- the seafront hotel will offer 370 guest rooms, including 110 suites with balcony views, as well as a multi-course signature restaurant, a rooftop lounge and bar, numerous pools, a 16,000-square-foot spa, a fitness center, and over 37,000 square feet of function space, including Malta's largest convention center.

The hotel will be constructed around a 19th-century building that used to be living quarters for the British military. Prior to opening, Hard Rock said, the historic site will be fully restored.

"Malta draws in travelers from around the world given its central Mediterranean location, idyllic charm, rich cultural history, and vast array of activities -- from scuba diving to exploring prehistoric temples -- and we are thrilled to be part of a project that will provide travelers and locals with the country's firs t true entertainment destination," said Marco Roca, executive vice president of global hotel development at Hard Rock International.

Source: Hard Rock Plans Third European Resort in Malta

French air-traffic controller strike grounds 39 flights from Spain to the rest of Europe

AIR-TRAFFIC controller strikes in France led to 39 flights to and from Spain being cancelled by last night (Thursday) and will continue until at least this evening.

As at 19.00 yesterday, a total of 18 flights between Spanish and French airports out of the 224 scheduled were cancelled, and another 21 out of the planned 1,817 between Spain and other European destinations which either crossed French air space or used its terminals for connecting flights.

Although proportionately low for four days of continuous strikes, with an average of 10 flights a day in Spain grounded, travellers have suffered considerable upheaval – especially at Madrid's Adolfo Suárez-Barajas airport, which ws the worst affected with 12 cancellations, of which nine were between the Spanish capital and France, and three to other parts of Europe.

Another eight, four each for France and for other European airports, were grounded at Barcelona's El Prat terminal.

Four flights due to take off from Valencia, five from Alicante, three from Zaragoza, two each from Málaga, Sevilla and Asturias, and one from Vitoria in the Basque Country were also cancelled.

In France itself, 10 times as many planes were grounded as in Spain, nearly 100 a day, between Monday morning and last night.

The photo shows passengers queuing at the Vueling information desk after the low-cost carrier had to cancel flights bound for France.

 

 

Source: French air-traffic controller strike grounds 39 flights from Spain to the rest of Europe

Italy will be top destination again, says minister

Berlin - "Italy is a great power in tourism and will excel again on the international market," said Italy's Minister for Cultural Heritage and Tourism at the Internationale Tourismus-Boerse in Berlin. He was at the leading global trade show to present, with Enit, the country's Strategic Tourism Plan for 2017-22. Dario Franceschini said: "The real challenge has just begun. We are facing increasingly fierce competitors who weren't even in the market 20 years ago - including the Arab Emirates - and we have to deal with a greatly increased number of travellers: millions of people who we need to guide and encourage with our food and wine, culture and landscapes." He said the key words of the plan are "experience" and "decentralisation".

Tourism accounts for 10.2% of GDP and 11.6% of employment in Italy, confirming the country as Europe's top tourist destination, among Schengen countries, by number of visitors from outside the EU. Figures published by Enit, the Italian tourism agency, put the degree of appreciation among foreign visitors at 82.4%. The figure is confirmed by social media where the country turns out to be the most photographed country in the world on Instagram, with 54.4 million images tagged with the #Italy hashtag.

Enit director Fabio Lazzerini said: "We are the country that travellers from China, the USA, Canada, Australia and Japan want to visit above all others." The minister said Italy now needs to direct travellers to less well-known destinations. "It is true that Italy has a considerable cultural heritage that is spread across the whole country, it is recognised globally for its fashion, cooking, design and lifestyle. This makes us one of the most desirable tourist destinations, a huge potential that must and can be exploited through a shared promotion of the country, as demonstrated by the pavilion set up here by Enit and the regions, with a vision that allows all the organisations to present themselves under the overarching symbol of Italy."

Source: Italy will be top destination again, says minister