Corporate Travel Destinations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have released a statement warning travelers to the island of Bali in Indonesia of a rabies outbreak throughout the island. The most recent update to the outbreak notice was posted on the CDC website on March 29 with an additional notice that this information is still current and the outbreak notice remains in effect.

A rabies outbreak in dogs was first reported by the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture in December 2008, with a reported 15 deaths associated with this outbreak as of November, 2009. While most corporate or incentive travelers will not likely be adopting animals or working with animals during their stay in Bali, they may come in contact with infected animals during outdoor activities, such as hiking or camping. The majority of cases reported thus far are located near popular tourist areas in the southern portion of Bali; however, the CDC warns travelers that precaution should be taken regardless of where they are traveling on the island.

According to the CDC, travelers planning a trip to Bali who anticipate coming in contact with animals should consider a three-shot, pre-exposure rabies vaccine. Whether or not they receive vaccinations, travelers should seek immediate medical attention if they are scratched or bitten during their stay in Bali.

If you are planning corporate travel to Bali in the near future, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov for more information.

The swine flu, more correctly called H1N1, has hit the travel industry hard. There doesn’t appear to be any destination that hasn’t reported some cases of H1N1. Predictions of a widespread resurgence of the flu inspired many economically wealthy countries to donate 10% of their stockpile of H1N1 to poorer countries. People in these countries will suffer the most in the event of another outbreak of this strain of influenza.

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) now encourages tourists to resume their travel plans, taking a few common sense precautions. Include a basic medical kit in your luggage and get the normal seasonal flu shot as well the H1N1 vaccine if you are in a high-risk group. Increase your travel insurance if you’re going overseas. Check the policy over carefully, making sure that you have coverage against pandemic diseases.

Your best defense is common sense. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially during flu season and don’t overuse bacterial disinfectants. They are useless against viruses.

Travel plans can change dramatically if H1N1 rears its ugly head. Last year cruise lines were not obligated to grant refunds when itineraries changed and most airlines have no written refund guarantees in the event of another outbreak.