indian cdc for cruise ship

There were more than 5,000 COVID cases on board cruise ships sailing in U.S. waters the last two weeks of December, according to the CDC, but the fact that the public health agency is monitoring or investigating a specific ship does not mean there is a widespread COVID-19 outbreak on board. Even with stringent vaccination , testing and masking, among other protocols, it is fairly common for coronavirus cases to emerge among passengers and crew on cruise vessels. 

While the CDC said the rise in cases since the identification of the omicron variant prompted it to issue a level 4 warning about cruising on Thursday, the  CDC long anticipated cases on board ships, in part because of the very nature of cruising.

►Not so fast: Cancellation, refund policies vary by cruise line

►Flashback: Will the cruise industry shut down because of the omicron variant as it did in March 2020?

David Daigle, a spokesperson for the CDC, told USA TODAY last Tuesday that the health agency acknowledges it is "not possible" for cruising to be a zero-risk activity amid the pandemic. A person's chance at contracting coronavirus is higher on cruise ships because the virus spreads more easily between people spending time in close quarters on the vessels.

"(The) CDC has been managing COVID-19 outbreaks on cruise ships since this summer when cruise ships started sailing with passengers," Daigle continued, noting that the agency is working with ships to keep passengers and crew safe on board with mitigation measures in place. 

Understanding that the CDC has been dealing with cases since cruises resumed over the summer, what does it mean when it marks a cruise ship as under investigation or as being monitored on its running list? 

What it means for a ship to be monitored or under 'investigation' by CDC

Just one case of coronavirus or COVID-19-like symptoms could prompt the CDC to monitor or investigate a ship, which is why it's important to understand how the CDC determines ship status and where to find the latest ship-specific information. 

The CDC's "Cruise Ship Color Status" chart is kept available to the public on its website and is updated regularly. Ships are broken into five color-coded classifications: Green, Orange, Yellow, Red and Gray.

"Ship color status is determined using surveillance data from the previous 7 days – regardless of voyage dates – and CDC investigation findings," the CDC says on its website.

►Should you cancel your cruise?: It comes down to personal choice

►COVID on a cruise: How a breakthrough case sent one couple from an ocean view balcony to the 'dungeon'

Green status means there have been no reported cases of coronavirus or COVID-19-like illnesses on board. As of Monday morning, there were 16 ships with green status, and some of those ships are on crew-only voyages. 

Orange status  means the ship has reported cases among passengers and is being monitored but levels don't meet the threshold for CDC investigation . There were only three ships with orange status as of Monday morning.

On restricted voyages, or cruises carrying paying passengers, just one case among crew merits a  yellow   status , prompting a CDC investigation.

Yellow means reported cases meet the CDC's threshold for investigation. The vast majority of ships are currently categorized as yellow.

The threshold is higher for passengers on restricted voyages; the number of passengers with COVID-19 or COVID-19-like illnesses over the preceding seven days must equal or surpass 0.10% of the total number of passengers on board to merit investigation. So if a ship has 5,000 passengers, it would need at least five cases over seven days to be classified as yellow.

That percentage includes cases occurring within passengers in the five-day period after disembarkation that the health agency is notified about by state or local health departments, the CDC said.

Red status means there is "sustained transmission" of coronavirus or COVID-19-like illnesses on board or there is a potential for cases to "overwhelm" the ship's medical center. There were no ships with red status Wednesday.

Gray status means the ship's health and safety protocols have not been reviewed or confirmed by the CDC. There were no ships marked as gray Wednesday.

Every major cruise line has detailed procedures for handling coronavirus cases on board and protecting fellow passengers and crew.

Story continues below. 

Ship statuses are posted with 'lag' to CDC site

While the CDC's chart is a useful resource while observing the cruise industry and COVID-19 and for travelers to decide whether to go on their cruise or to cancel, there is a caveat – the site is not perfectly aligned to what is happening on a ship at any given time.

"It is important to know that there is at least a two-day lag in the posting of an updated color status," the CDC's Daigle told USA TODAY.

Daigle laid out the progression of how cruise ship color codes are updated by the CDC. It's a three-day process.

►Masking up: Carnival Cruise Line updates onboard mask requirements as omicron spreads

On day one, cases are detected or identified on the ship. On day two, cases are reported to the CDC, data is pulled from REDCap and the color status is assessed by the agency. On day three, the color status is updated on the agency's public website. 

And the lag may be more than two days at times. Posting doesn't happen on weekends or during federal holidays. As a result, "there may be a longer lag between case detection and posting," Daigle said.

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Coronavirus Updates

People should avoid cruise travel regardless of their vaccination status, the cdc says.

Jonathan Franklin

The Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Sunrise ship is seen in the port of Miami on Dec. 23, 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic. Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

The Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Sunrise ship is seen in the port of Miami on Dec. 23, 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new advisory Thursday that travelers should avoid traveling by cruise ship, regardless of vaccination status, after a recent surge in positive COVID-19 cases onboard ships.

The agency increased its travel warning for cruises to Level 4 — the highest level — following investigations of dozens of ships that have had outbreaks of the virus.

"Even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants," the CDC said on its website .

Shots - Health News

Tracking the coronavirus around the u.s.: see how your state is doing.

Following the identification of the omicron variant, there has been an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases among cruise passengers and crew reported to the agency, the CDC said.

More cruise ships have reached "level yellow" — the level where the CDC investigates a ship's COVID outbreak.

"It is especially important that travelers who are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 avoid travel on cruise ships, including river cruises, worldwide, regardless of vaccination status," the agency added.

More cruise ships are under CDC investigation following COVID-19 outbreaks on board

There are 91 cruise ships currently under investigation or observation, according to the CDC website. However, the agency has not specified how many COVID-19 cases have been reported, according to The Associated Press .

An additional three ships are being monitored.

The CDC advised that those who choose to travel on a cruise should get vaccinated against COVID-19 before their trip and, if eligible, receive a booster dose.

In addition, masks should also be worn in shared spaces and passengers who are not fully vaccinated against COVID should self-quarantine for five days after travel, in addition to getting tested three to five days after their return, the CDC said.

Goats and Soda

The goal: at least 40% vaxxed in all nations by year-end. this map shows how we stand.

In an email to NPR, a spokesperson for the Cruise Lines International Association said the trade group was "disappointed" by the CDC's latest advisory against cruise ship travel.

"While we are disappointed and disagree with the decision to single out the cruise industry—an industry that continues to go above and beyond compared to other sectors—CLIA and our ocean-going cruise line members remain committed to working collaboratively with the CDC in the interest of public health and safety," the trade group said .

Most cruise lines require adult passengers to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19, according to AP.

For now, CDC guidanc e allows cruise ships to relax measures — such as mask usage — if at least 95% of passengers and 95% of the cruise ship crew are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

• CDC COVID-19 guidance
• cruise ship

Complete Step By Step Indian CDC Renewal procedure

• 8-March-2019
• 45 Comments

Here in this article I will guide you through online cdc renewal procedure.

If you are an Indian seafarer then you are issued a CDC which is a record of your sea service. The validity of a CDC is for a tenure of 10 years from the date of issue. You are reading this article this implies that you are sailing for a long time when all the applications for any certificates happened in an offline manner. The new online application being easy is a daunting task for you as you are not well versed with the procedures. How can one be aware of the procedures which you have to undergo once in a decade?

At first one must decide what are his exact requirement.

Do I want to extend the validity of my CDC? Or Do I need to replace my old CDC?

Let me suggest you what is the right option for you. Your old CDC has plenty of pages left and the condition of your CDC is good then renewing your CDC is the best option. Easier said than done. No worries though simply follow the step by step procedures with photos and you can get your CDC renewed in almost no time.

Complete Step By Step Indian CDC Renewal Procedure

In order to proceed with the Indian CDC renewal application you can encounter following things.

Total Time Needed :

Total cost:.

700 + Bank Charges

Required Tools:

Documents required to be uploaded, indian cdc renewal procedure step by step:, step 1: go to dg shipping > e-governance.

Head over to  DG shipping website  then to E-governance and then log in to your DG profile using your INDOS number and password.

Step 2: Login to your Indos No.

Login to your profile using your login credentials. INDOS number as your User id and your password.

Step 3: Click on CDC Management and COC

In the Centre column all the links you will notice a link  CDC Management & COC as cook  click on it to go to the application page.

Step 4: Select CDC Renewal Option

To the top left, you will notice  2 Options . 1)  Submit 2)  Others Click on Submit  to view various options related to CDC Application. Select Option no 2  as shown in the above image to apply  for Indian CDC Renewal.

Step 5: Fill up Personal Details

After clicking the CDC Renewal option you new form will appear where you will have to first select the MMD office you want to apply to as marked with step 1 in the image. Then Check, Verify and Update details as required in the below columns. After verifying the data click continue to proceed to next step All the fields marked with * are required and cannot be blank.

Step 6: Fill up Address Details

This is the address tab. Fill your address details correctly where you wish to get the CDC Renewal Sticker dispatched. Click continue to go to next tab.

Step 7: Instructions and Fees required

This is the fees tab. Here you will come to know the amount of fees to be paid for the applicatin. Click continue to go to next tab.

Step 8: Documents Required Info

This is the final page of the application. This step will guide us with the required documents for uploading. Make sure the I agree checkbox is clicked at the bottom left and then click generate an application number. This will generate a new application number and you will be redirected towards online fees payment.

Step 9: Check Application Status

If you are not redirected to the payment of the fees or deciding to pay fees little later then on the top left besides the Submit button there is another menu “Others” click that to check the application status. Here in the photo, you can see my application which was for the replacement but it will show a similar application for renewal. Click the Fees pay mode and make the payment if not already paid then the status will show ePayment.

Step 10: Upload Required Documents

Once you have paid the fees successfully in the Application status page you will get option to upload your documents. Click the link and Upload the documents which are mentioned in Step 8 or before the start of the procedure. The image for Document upload is just for reference.

Step 11: Check Application status for Remarks

Once Documents are uploaded then your application is fully submitted and DG shipping will start processing the same. You can keep an eye on the Application status page check for updates and check for any queries.

CDC Renewal Sticker

Know where to stick the sticker

After your CDC Renewal is approved you will receive a sticker which is to be pasted on the blank Additional Page of your CDC. The Sticker will resemble the image down below.

So now you have applied for your CDC Renewal then let’s answer a few of your Frequently asked questions down below

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days does it take to renew my cdc how long does it take to renew indian cdc.

CDC renewal normally takes about 7-15 working days. The sticker will be despatched within those working days and depending on your location and Speed Post delivery in your locality it may take another 2-3 days. Just be sure that sometimes the despatch details are updated late on the application status and you may receive your renewal sticker before also.

Where to post the CDC renewal sticker?

The CDC renewal Sticker is to be posted on any of the additional pages mentioned. Just make sure as proof of extended validity you will have to take an extra copy of the page where the sticker is pasted along with other pages as required anywhere.

Fees payment failed but money was deducted, now what?

If you face any issues during fee payment then DO Not Repay Again. Fees once paid are not refundable. So make sure you fill in all the details correctly. Even if your application was rejected you may not get a refund. At once write an email to dgshipping regarding the issue of the failed payment transaction. Attached your bank statement reflecting the debit in the mail. You will have to wait for up to 3 days so that the financial transaction will be reflected properly. You may receive an email confirming that your payment was received and can upload the documents further or else after 3 days directly you may be able to see in the application status that the payment was successful. If the payment was not properly done then you can check your bank account as you may have received the refund.

I have a few pages left on my CDC so should I renew it or replace it?

If you have only a few pages left on your CDC then depending on your requirement you can go for replacement of your CDC instead of renewal. The cost of replacement or renewal is the same for now. If you planning to quit sailing and just want to sail once or twice and you have enough pages for that then it’s better to go for the renewal of CDC as that is the most viable option. If you have plans to sail further long then go with CDC replacement check the procedure for CDC replacement here

Where do I paste my CDC renewal sticker?

The CDC renewal sticker received is to be pasted on any of the blank Additional Pages provided in your CDC.

How can I renew my Indian CDC?

Follow the Step by Step Guide with images mentioned above and you will be able to complete your application with breeze.

Ashutosh Ghate

Ashutosh Ghate is a marine engineer, blogger, aspiring writer, and geeky nerd. He is working on an oil tanker for a shipping company. He loves to write about technology and is always ready to help people on their queries. Apart from his day to day work, Ashutosh loves to read books and blogs, hence he started his own blog.

Related Posts

Step by Step guide to get Place of birth endorsement in CDC

• 29-September-2022

Complete Guide to Scavenge Fire, Indication, Actions and Prevention

• 24-July-2022

Procedure for DGS Exit Exam and download certificate after exam

• 9-August-2022

Nearly 30 Cruise Ship Passengers In US Mysteriously Fall Ill With Diarrhoea

The "easter-themed" cruise began in peru on march 31 and ended in fort lauderdale, florida, on tuesday..

The cruise ship quarantined its impacted passengers.

Nearly 30 passengers on a luxury cruise ship got sick in a gastrointestinal illness outbreak despite Silversea Cruises being known for its phenomenal cuisine, as per a report in the New York Post . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Monday that during the 16-day journey from Peru, at least 28 of the Silver Nova's 633 passengers and one member of the crew reported feeling ill.

The CDC added that the main symptom was diarrhoea. Although the exact source of the outbreak, which has affected about 5 per cent of the passengers on board, is still unknown, the CDC stated that contaminated food or water is the main cause of norovirus outbreaks.

The cruise ship made announcements informing both staff and guests about the outbreak and urged them to report instances and adopt "good hand hygiene." In addition, Silversea reportedly quarantined its impacted passengers and increased cleaning and disinfection procedures. 

"The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority. To maintain an environment that supports the highest levels of health and safety onboard our ships, we implement rigorous cleaning procedures, many of which far exceed public health guidelines," a spokesperson for Silversea Cruises told The Post in a statement. The "Easter-themed" cruise began in Peru on March 31 and ended in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Tuesday.

According to CruiseMapper, the starting price for a double occupancy room on the 16-day adventure was $11,700.

In February, several passengers on board Cunard Cruise Line in the US were struck down with vomiting and diarrhoea, CDC said. According to the press note, at least 123 passengers and 16 crew members travelling on the Queen Victoria reported falling ill since the voyage set off on January 22 from Florida. 

Promoted Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com

The cause of the gastrointestinal illness was not known, health officials said, but they added that the main symptoms among those on board the vessel included diarrhoea and vomiting. 

This came weeks after passengers on board a Florida-based cruise ship came down with an unknown illness. Passengers on the cruise ship reported symptoms of gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu, after setting off from Jacksonville. One passenger, Miranda Hill said her bout of illness was so bad that she started hurling blue vomit. "My throw up was bright blue and I have never eaten anything blue and every time I look up blue throw up, it has to deal with a poisoning," she said.  

Track Budget 2023 and get Latest News Live on NDTV.com.

Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world .

Track Latest News and Election Results Coverage Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.

Watch Live News:

latest in US News

YouTube star Ms. Rachel slams Mayor Adams' cuts to early...

Harrowing video shows Coast Guard airlifting pregnant Disney...

Family of Las Vegas woman shot dead with husband allege chilling...

Horrifying video captures alleged peeping Tom pointing camera up...

Pulse-pounding video shows heroic neighbor rescuing man from his...

Boeing whistleblower calls for halt of 787 Dreamliner production,...

Disturbing moment anti-Israel protesters swarm NYC subway...

New, perplexing details emerge about wife found dead after...

Breaking news, nearly 30 silverseas cruise passengers fall ill with diarrhea at sea.

• View Author Archive
• Email the Author
• Get author RSS feed

Contact The Author

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

This vacation stinks.

Nearly 30 people aboard a luxury cruise liner known for its phenomenal cuisine have fallen ill thanks to a gastrointestinal outbreak that swept through the ship.

At least 28 of the Silver Nova ship’s 633 guests and one of its crew members reported feeling sick during their 16-day voyage from Peru, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  said Monday.

The group all reported one main symptom: diarrhea.

The cause of the outbreak — which has impacted roughly 5% of the ship’s passenger population — is still unknown, but the CDC notes that norovirus outbreaks are primarily caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.

The Silver Nova is Silversea Cruises’ newest liner and among its most luxurious.

Introduced in 2023, the Silver Nova boasts butler service for every suite, one crew member for every 1.3 guests and “outstanding gastronomy” — it even welcomed “Top Chef’s” Nina Compton to its ranks at the end of last year.

The ship includes multiple kitchens, grills and even an interactive space where guests can cook with Compton.

To quell the spread of the stomach bug, Silversea Cruises reportedly quarantined its impacted passengers and crew member and “increased cleaning and disinfection procedures,” the CDC said.

“The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are our top priority,” a spokesperson for Silversea Cruises told The Post in a statement.

“To maintain an environment that supports the highest levels of health and safety onboard our ships, we implement rigorous cleaning procedures, many of which far exceed public health guidelines.”

The outbreak was reported one day before the “Easter” themed cruise was scheduled to end.

The 11-deck cruise ship started its journey in Callao-Lima, Peru, on March 31 and is set to end on April 16.

Prices for the 16-day excursion started at $11,700 for a double occupancy room, according to CruiseMapper.

The Silversea Cruises outbreak marks the fourth this year — including one that saw 104 become infected aboard a Holland America Line ship and more than 130 people on Cunard Cruise Line’s Queen Victoria struck down by a bout of diarrhea and vomiting in February .

Norovirus was the cause of the three preceding outbreaks.

In 2023, the CDC logged a jaw-dropping 14 cruise ship outbreaks.

Share this article:

Cruise Etiquette: How to Avoid Getting Sick on a Cruise

I f you’ve been on a cruise recently, you may have noticed the great lengths to which crew members go to remind passengers to wash their hands. On Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas , staff dressed as hot dogs and pizza slices stand by the food hall imploring guests to disinfect before eating. On some ships, crew stationed in the bathroom repeat “washy washy" on loop while others sing catchy jingles and dole out hand sanitizer like candy.

While this may seem overkill, healthy hand washing habits can make the difference between the vacation of a lifetime and a travel horror story. From norovirus outbreaks to pandemic quarantines, it’s no secret that cruise ships are not immune (pun intended) to the occasional health scare—to the point that they’ve developed a bit of a reputation among germaphobes.

Unfortunately, the close quarters of cruise ships can make the vessels good environments for spreading a variety of ailments. But the good news is that cruise ships follow stringent health regulations and reporting requirements, and are subject to random sanitation inspections in the US.

But what can travelers do to avoid getting sick on a cruise? Sally Andrews, vice president of strategic communications and public affairs for the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, advises that passengers exercise the same sensible health practices that they do on land. “This includes thorough and frequent hand washing, protecting the health of others if they start to not feel well, and contacting the ship’s medical staff as they would at home based on their individual health needs,” she tells Condé Nast Traveler.

For those looking for more in-depth guidance, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains a set of health guidelines specifically for cruise passengers. Some of the CDC’s suggestions are simply good travel advice that isn’t particularly cruise-related, like keeping up-to-date on regular vaccinations, checking with a doctor or travel health specialist if any additional vaccines or boosters might be necessary based on the itinerary's ports of call, and staying home if you feel sick in the days immediately leading up to the cruise. (Most cruise line and third-party travel insurance providers will cover cancellations if a medical provider advises you not to travel.)

Specific to cruising, the CDC recommends frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing (more often than on shore) and wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated areas. Hand washing and sanitizing is particularly effective, the CDC notes, in preventing norovirus, which causes a gastrointestinal illness characterized by vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.

CLIA says that norovirus is rare on cruise ships when compared to the general risk in the US, but outbreaks do seem to be reported with some frequency. In 2023, there were 14 reports of gastrointestinal outbreaks onboard cruise ships arriving in the US (out of thousands of sailings), and all but one was attributed to norovirus.

Captain Luis Rodriguez, the acting chief of the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program, notes that the CDC reported more cruise ship outbreaks in 2023 than 2022, but there was also an increase in shoreside cases during this time. Rodriguez, who holds a graduate degree in public health, explains that the CDC directly “tracks illnesses on cruise ships, so cases are found and reported more quickly on a cruise ship than on land” (which relies on state and local health departments to collect data and report to the agency separately).

“Norovirus outbreaks commonly occur in crowded living accommodations or communities where persons are physically close,” Rodriguez says. “Pathogens that cause norovirus outbreaks can spread quickly in closed and semi enclosed environments, such as a cruise ship.” In short, any crowded space comes with higher transmission risks, and since the reporting requirements of illnesses on cruise ships are so stringent, outbreaks can appear more common than they actually are.

In order to help prevent and control the spread of gastrointestinal illnesses on cruises, all ships are subject to inspection by the CDC when operating in US ports and territorial waters. The inspection results (including every nitty gritty detail) are publicly available on the CDC website —curious passengers can check out how their ship performed during past inspections by using the site's search function.

Because cruise line medical staff track the number of illnesses and likely causes, it’s important that travelers alert the onboard medical team when they feel unwell. This not only allows for accurate reporting to authorities, it also gives onboard teams a chance to prevent disease from spreading by beefing up sanitation protocols during the sailing.

But even passengers who take precautions to avoid transmittable illnesses can be subject to the oldest of seagoing maladies—the old mal de mer, or seasickness , chief among them. Thankfully, most modern cruise ships have sophisticated stabilizer systems which significantly curtail pitch and roll, even in rough seas—leaving many would-be sufferers almost unaware of any movement from the ship at all.

Seasickness is caused by an imbalance between the perception and realities of motion, and conventional wisdom is to keep the horizon in the line of sight. Travelers particularly prone to motion sickness or worried about being affected might prefer balcony staterooms for this reason. There are also a number of over-the-counter medications, available in pill or patch form, that travelers can take with them to treat seasickness. If a bout of nausea catches a passenger by surprise, ship medical staff generally carry a generous supply on board.

If you do get sick on a cruise, rest assured that international maritime law requires virtually all passenger ships to employ a medical doctor onboard. The 50-plus major cruise lines that belong to CLIA go a step further and are required to train clinical staff members in advanced life support, and additionally have defibrillators, cardiac monitors, X-ray machines, and lab equipment onboard.

At the end of the day, cruise ship crew members and passengers each do their part to keep everyone on board happy and healthy during their sailing. Just remember, washy washy!

Condé Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise news
• Gastrointestinal illness/Norovirus affects 28 passengers on...

Gastrointestinal illness/Norovirus affects 28 passengers on Silversea's ship Silver Nova

An outbreak of gastrointestinal illness affected over two dozen passengers aboard a Silversea Cruises voyage.

According to the CDC/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 28 out of the 633 guests aboard Silver Nova ship reported symptoms of illness, including one crew member. The primary symptom reported was diarrhea, although the CDC has labeled the causative agent as unknown.

Silversea promptly informed both guests and crew about the outbreak through announcements, urging them to report any cases and maintain proper hand hygiene. Additionally, the cruise line isolated affected individuals and implemented rigorous cleaning and disinfection protocols.

The cruise commenced in Callao-Lima) (Peru) on March 31st and is scheduled to end in Fort Lauderdale (Florida USA) on April 16th.

For more Silver Nova incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page .

Investigation Update on the Silver Nova

Cruise Line : Silversea Cruises

Cruise Ship : Silver Nova

Voyage Dates : March 31–April 16, 2024

Voyage number: SN240331016

Number of passengers who reported being ill during the voyage out of total number of passengers onboard : 28 of 633 (4.42%)

Number of crew who reported being ill during the voyage out of total number of crew onboard : 1 of 538 (0.19%)

Predominant symptom : diarrhea

Causative agent : unknown

Actions : In response to the outbreak, Silversea Cruises and the crew aboard the ship reported the following actions:

• Made announcements to notify onboard passengers and crew of the outbreak, encourage case reporting, and encourage good hand hygiene.
• Isolated ill passengers and crew.
• Increased cleaning and disinfection procedures according to the ship’s outbreak prevention and response plan.

VSP is remotely monitoring the situation, including reviewing the ship’s outbreak response and sanitation procedures.

Note : The gastrointestinal illness cases reported are totals for the entire voyage and do not represent the number of active (symptomatic) gastrointestinal cases at any given port of call or at disembarkation.

Learn how passengers can protect themselves with these  tips for healthy cruising .

• Inspection Reports
• About Inspections
• Cruise Ship Outbreak Updates
• About Noroviruses on Cruise Ships
• VSP Operations Manual   [PDF – 5 MB]
• VSP Construction Guidelines   [PDF – 4 MB]
• Illness Prevention Information
• Publications

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.

• International

April 14, 2024 - Iran's attack on Israel

By Jerome Taylor, Heather Chen , James Legge, Sophie Tanno, Emma Tucker , Kaanita Iyer , Paul LeBlanc , Catherine Nicholls, Maureen Chowdhury , Antoinette Radford and Eve Rothenberg, CNN

Our live coverage of Iran's attack on Israel has moved  here .

India calls on Iran to release 17 Indian crew members on board seized container ship 

From CNN's Sandi Sidhu in Hong Kong 

India has called on Iran to release 17 Indian crew members on board a container ship seized by Iran on Saturday. 

Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said that he spoke to his Iranian counterpart Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and "took up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries."

Four Filipino seamen were also on board the ship, according to the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers.

The department said it was working with its government, the ship owner, and the operator to release the captured seafarers.

On Saturday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized an Israeli-linked container ship in a helicopter operation near the Strait of Hormuz, state news agency IRNA reported. 

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) said there were 25 crew members on board.

Japanese prime minister condemns Iran's attack on Israel

From CNN's Junko Ogura in Tokyo 

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Sunday said he "strongly condemns" Iran's missile and drone attack on Israel.

"(The attack) further aggravates the current situation in the Middle East. We are deeply concerned and strongly condemn such an escalation," Kishida told reporters.

Kishida said Japan would continue diplomatic efforts to "prevent the situation from worsening and to calm the situation down," and "respond in cooperation with other countries."

Blinken calls British and German counterparts following Iran's attack on Israel

From CNN's Philip Wang 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with his counterparts from the United Kingdom and Germany on Sunday following Iran's attack on Israel, according to readouts from the State Department. 

All parties agreed "the importance of condemning Iran's attack in the strongest possible terms and preventing further escalation," the readout said. 

Blinken earlier held phone calls with his counterparts from Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia , in which he emphasized the importance of avoiding escalation in the Middle East and of "a coordinated diplomatic response."

US forces destroyed more than 80 attack drones from Iran and Yemen, Central Command says

From CNN's Philip Wang

US forces intercepted more than 80 one-way attack drones and at least six ballistic missiles from Iran and Yemen during its attack on Israel, according to a statement from the Central Command.

The operation included destroying a ballistic missile on its launcher vehicle and seven drones on the ground in Iranian-backed Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, CENTCOM said. 

"Iran's continued unprecedented, malign, and reckless behavior endangers regional stability and the safety of U.S. and coalition forces," the statement added. 

Israeli and Iranian ambassadors trade accusations during UN Security Council session

From Abel Alvarado in Atlanta

Israel and Iran’s United Nations ambassadors condemned each other’s actions during Sunday’s UN Security Council emergency session called to address Iran’s attack on Israel.

Israel’s UN ambassador Gilad Erdan said Iran "must be stopped before it drives the world to a point of no return, to a regional war that can escalate to a world war." Erdan accused Iran of seeking world domination and that its attack proved that Tehran "cares nothing, nothing for Islam or Muslims" before pulling out a tablet to show a video of Israel intercepting Iranian drones above Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Erdan called on the UN Security Council to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terror organization.

“Action must be taken now, not for Israel's sake, not for the region's sake, but for the world's sake. Stop Iran today."

Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said his country’s operation was "entirely in the exercise of Iran’s inherent right to self-defense, as outlined in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations and recognized by international law."

Iravani said:

"This concluded action was necessary and proportionate," adding that the operation was “precise and only targeted military objectives” to reduce the potential of escalation and to prevent civilian harm. “Iran is never seeking to contribute to the spillover of the conflict in the region, nor does it to escalate or spread the tension to the entire region," he said.

Tehran’s attack had been anticipated since  a suspected Israeli strike  on an Iranian diplomatic complex in Syria earlier this month.

Iravani added Iran has “no intention of engaging in conflict with the US in the region” but warned Iran will use its “inherent right to respond proportionately” should the US initiate a military operation against “Iran, its citizens or its security.”

Israeli war cabinet says it's ready to respond to Iran's attack but delays immediate action. Here's the latest

From CNN staff

The hours-long Israeli war cabinet meeting ended Sunday night without a decision on how Israel will respond to Iran’s missile and drone attack , an Israeli official said.

The cabinet is determined to respond — but has yet to decide on the timing and scope and the official said the military has been tasked with coming up with additional options for a response.

Separately, a senior Biden administration official told reporters that an Israeli official told the United States that it's not looking to significantly escalate the showdown with Iran.

CNN analyst Barak Ravid said Israeli ministers Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot advocated for swift action, but US President Joe Biden's phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu led to a decision to delay the response until the next day. 

Here are the latest headlines:

• Retaliation is over, Iran told US: Iran privately messaged the United States that its retaliation against Israel had concluded, echoing what Tehran said publicly, according to a senior administration official. Late Saturday, Iran said its attack on Israel is a response to Israel's strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, and "the matter can be deemed concluded." However, President Ebrahim Raisi said any “new aggression against the interests of the Iranian nation will be met with a heavier and regrettable response,” according to Iran’s state news channel IRIB. 
• United Nations response: UN Secretary-General António Guterres  called for a de-escalation of violence after Iran’s attack. Guterres said the United Nations and member countries have a “shared responsibility” to engage “all parties concerned to prevent further escalation.” He also called for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict. “Neither the region nor the world can afford more war,” he said.
• G7 and others: Amid a flurry of diplomatic activity in response to Iran's attack, the G7 nations said they would work together to "stabilize the situation" in the Middle East, according to a statement from Biden. Also, Jordan summoned Iran's ambassador in Amman on Sunday after it intercepted Iranian drones over the country.
• Meanwhile in Gaza: As thousands of Palestinians were turned away from returning to their homes in northern Gaza on Sunday, a 5-year-old girl was shot in the head by Israeli soldiers, her mother said. Video showed a man carrying a 5-year-old girl named Sally Abu Laila, who was bleeding from her head, with people crowding around her in panic trying to cover her wound.

Also on Sunday:

• Israel decided to lift its restrictions on large gatherings and to reopen schools on Monday.
• The US Department of Homeland Security has not identified any “specific or credible threats” to the US since Iran attacked Israel.

Blinken calls Turkish, Egyptian, Jordanian and Saudi counterparts following Iran's attack 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday spoke with his counterparts in Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia following Iran's attacks in Israel, according to readouts from the State Department. 

During his phone calls, Blinken emphasized the importance of avoiding escalation in the region and the importance of "a coordinated diplomatic response."

In his conversation with Jordan and Egypt, Blinken also underlined the significance of achieving an "enduring end to the crisis in Gaza."

Iran will be held responsible if any action is taken against the US or Israel, deputy ambassador warns

From CNN’s Abel Alvarado

The United States warned Iran against taking any action against the US or Israel during the UN Security Council emergency session over Iran’s attack on Israel.

“Let me be clear, if Iran or its proxies take actions against the US or further action against Israel, Iran will be held responsible,” US Deputy Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood said Sunday.

The United States is “not seeking escalation, our actions have been purely defensive in nature,” adding that the “best way to prevent such escalation is an unambiguous condemnation of the council of Iran’s unprecedented large-scale attack,” he said.

The envoy reiterated US support for Israel and condemned Iran’s attack. “Iran’s intent was to cause significant damage and death in Israel,” Wood said.

Wood also said the UN Security Council had an “obligation to not let Iran’s actions go unanswered.”

“For far too long, Iran has flagrantly violated its international legal obligations,” he said before listing occasions Iran has violated UN Security Council resolutions and international law.

Wood accused Iran of being in a “broad sense complicit” of the October 7 attack on Israel by providing “significant funding and training for the military wing of Hamas.”

He added the US will explore "additional measures to hold Iran accountable here in the UN.”

Please enable JavaScript for a better experience.

• International

April 12, 2024 - Israel-Hamas war

By Chris Lau, Sana Noor Haq, Adrienne Vogt , Matt Meyer and Tori B. Powell , CNN

Our live coverage of Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza has moved  here .

USAID worker killed in Israel, agency says

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

A staff member with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) died Friday in the Israeli port city of Jaffa, the agency announced.

The male staffer was with USAID’s West Bank and Gaza mission, the agency said in a brief statement.

USAID did not provide details on the circumstances around his death or his identity or citizenship.

“He was a dedicated member of our team for more than two decades, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues,” USAID said.

USAID is working with the US Embassy to work out details about the fatal incident and its follow-up investigation, it said.

US expects Iran to carry out direct strikes against targets inside Israel, sources say

From CNN's MJ Lee and Natasha Bertrand

The United States currently expects Iran will carry out strikes against multiple targets inside Israel and that Iranian proxies could also be involved in carrying out the attacks, according to a senior administration official and a source familiar with the intelligence.  

The targets would likely be both inside Israel and around the region.

The beginning of a state-on-state conflict between Iran and Israel would mark a serious escalation in the region that the US has hoped to avoid.

US sees Iran moving military assets including drones and cruise missiles, sources say

From Natasha Bertrand and Oren Liebermann

The US observed Iran moving military assets around internally, including drones and cruise missiles, signaling that it is possibly preparing to attack Israeli targets from inside its own territory, according to two people familiar with US intelligence. 

It is not clear whether Iran is preparing to strike from its soil as part of an initial attack, or if it is posturing to try to deter Israel or the US from conducting a possible counter strike on its territory. 

One of the people said the US had observed Iran readying as many as 100 cruise missiles.

Some context: The Iranians want their retaliatory strike on Israel — a response to the Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate last week in Damascus — to be "significant," one of the people familiar with the intelligence said. But they also want to avoid getting embroiled in a direct war with Israel and the US, CNN has reported, which is why US intelligence has assessed that Iran may use its proxy forces to launch the first attack.

Israeli settlers storm village in West Bank and kill at least 1 Palestinian. Here's what you should know

From CNN staff

Hundreds of armed Israeli settlers stormed a village in the occupied West Bank on Friday, setting fire to several homes and cars — and leaving at least one Palestinian dead — in one of the largest attacks by settlers this year, according to Palestinian officials. 

The settlers attacked Al-Mughayyir village, east of Ramallah, raided homes and fired gunshots at residents, according to Amin Abu-Alia, the head of the village council. Videos obtained by CNN show parts of the village burning, with smoke billowing over several buildings and settlers lobbing rocks. Houses and cars are seen completely burnt up, with sounds of gunfire and clashes heard in the background.

Here are other headlines you should know:

• More Israeli attacks: An Israeli airstrike early Friday killed at least 29 people and injured dozens more after troops targeted a house belonging to the well-known Al-Tabatibi family in eastern Gaza City, according to a local health official. Israeli forces also surrounded and attacked the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, wounding several journalists and at least one other person. And in the occupied West Bank, troops killed two Hamas members in a raid on the city of Tubas, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials.
• Hezbollah-Israel clashes: Around 40 rockets were fired from Lebanon on Friday evening, according to the Israeli military. Some were intercepted and the rest fell in open areas, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement. Israeli warplanes also carried out several airstrikes on Friday, targeting "military buildings" used by Hezbollah fighters in parts of southern Lebanon, the IDF said.
• Iranian threats: US President Joe Biden told reporters Friday he expects an attack from Iran will happen “sooner than later," with the White House adding that there is a "very credible" threat of Iranian retaliatory strikes against Israel. Additionally, the US Defense Department is moving additional assets to the Middle East region, a defense official told CNN, as the US and Israel brace for the potential attack . Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and US Central Command Commander Gen. Erik Kurilla on Friday discussed preparations for the  potential attack .
• Warnings amid Iranian threats: France , Germany, Canada and the United States are among countries that are warning their citizens not to travel to the region due to the threat of an Iranian attack against Israel.
• Humanitarian aid: The Israeli military does not understand how humanitarian operations work, a top United Nations official said Friday, maintaining there is a "degree of mistrust" that needs to be resolved between the IDF and nongovernmental organizations on the ground in Gaza.
• Sanctions: The European Council has  adopted sanctions  against three Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad entities , in light of "their responsibilities in the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks" that occurred across Israel on October 7. The US is also sanctioning four leaders of Hamas’ cyber and drone operations based in Gaza and Lebanon, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced on Friday. 

US will attempt to intercept launches at Israel if feasible, US officials say

From CNN's Oren Liebermann and Natasha Bertrand

The US will attempt to intercept any weapons launched at Israel if it’s feasible to do so, two US officials told CNN, in an indication of the level of ongoing cooperation between the two militaries before an anticipated Iranian attack .

US Navy forces in the Red Sea have previously intercepted long-range missiles launched from the Houthis in Yemen toward Israel. US forces in Iraq and Syria could also potentially intercept drones and rockets targeting northern Israel, depending on the location from which they’re launched.

Gen. Erik Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command, has been in Israel meeting with the country’s security leadership. On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, met with Kurilla.

There have been a number of conversations where US officials have urged Israel not to escalate the situation in retaliating against Iran, according to one of the US officials. 

Remember: An Iranian attack is expected in response to Israel’s deadly strike of Tehran's consulate in Damascus, Syria, last week.

The Damascus attack was the latest incident to stoke fears of a wider regional conflict breaking out in the Middle East during Israel's campaign in Gaza.

Diplomatic efforts: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held a slew of calls to foreign counterparts aimed at pressuring Iran not to attack Israel.

The top US diplomat spoke with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Friday, according to a readout from State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

Blinken also spoke with the Turkish, Chinese and Saudi foreign ministers in recent days, Miller said.

Israeli settlers kill at least 1 Palestinian while storming West Bank village

From CNN’s Kareem Khadder and Zeena Saifi in Jerusalem and CNN’s Benjamin Brown in London

Hundreds of armed Israeli settlers stormed a village in the occupied West Bank on Friday, setting fire to several homes and cars in one of the largest attacks by settlers this year, according to Palestinian officials. 

At least one Palestinian man was killed when shots were fired by Israeli settlers in the village of Al-Mughayyir, east of Ramallah, according to the head of the village council Amin Abu-Alia. He said he identified the killed Palestinian as his 26-year-old relative named Jihad Abu-Alia, who was meant to get married this summer.

At least 25 others were injured in the rampage, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, the scale of which has not been seen since hundreds of settlers stormed through the villages of  Turmusayya  and  Huwara  in two separate incidents last year. 

Between 1,000 and 1,200 settlers surrounded the village, and around 500 stormed it just after midday local time on Friday, blocking all the roads in the area, Abu-Alia told CNN.

He added that Israeli security forces informed Palestinian officials that the settlers were looking for a 14-year-old Israeli boy who had gone missing earlier in the day.

They attacked the village, raided homes and fired gunshots at residents, Abu-Alia said. Videos obtained by CNN show parts of the village burning, with smoke billowing over several buildings and settlers lobbing rocks. Houses and cars are seen completely burnt up, with sounds of gunfire and clashes heard in the background.

According to Abu-Alia, the Israeli military arrived at the scene at around 3 p.m. and didn’t stop the settlers from attacking the village. Israeli soldiers allowed them to raid homes, prevented Palestinian residents from moving around and blocked ambulances from reaching the injured, he added.  

Abu-Alia told CNN settlers stole approximately 70 sheep from the Palestinian village.

In response to a question by CNN, the IDF said “violent riots were instigated in multiple locations in the area” following the search for the boy.

Israel says airstrikes targeted Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon

Israeli warplanes carried out several airstrikes on Friday, targeting "military buildings" used by Hezbollah fighters in parts of southern Lebanon, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

The areas include the Aita al-Shaab and the Taybeh in southern Lebanon, said Avichay Adraee, I DF spokesperson for Arab media,  in a post on X.

"During the day, several shells were fired from Lebanon towards the Upper Galilee region, without causing any casualties. IDF forces attacked the sources of fire," Adraee added. 

The Israeli airstrikes were before the 40 rockets that were launched from Lebanon toward northern Israel Friday evening and claimed by Hezbollah.

Biden expects an attack from Iran will happen "sooner than later"

From CNN's Samantha Waldenberg

US President Joe Biden expects an attack from Iran will happen “sooner than later," he told reporters at the White House Friday.

“I don’t want to get into secure information but my expectation is sooner than later,” Biden said when asked how imminent an attack on Israel was.

Asked what his message to Tehran is right now, the president said “Don’t.”

In response to more shouted questions from reporters asking if American troops were at risk, Biden returned to the podium and said that the United States is "devoted” to the defense of Israel. 

“We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed,” Biden said.

Remember: The United States says it is on high alert for a significant Iranian retaliatory attack following Israel's deadly strike on Tehran's consulate in Damascus last week, raising fears of a wider regional war. There remains a “real,” “credible” and “viable” threat of Iran launching strikes, the White House said earlier Friday, following Israel’s attack on  a diplomatic compound in Syria that killed three Iranian generals.

Please enable JavaScript for a better experience.

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site.

British Indian Ocean Territory (U.K.) Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for British Indian Ocean Territory (U.K.).

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

the British Indian Ocean Territory is free of dog rabies. However, rabies may still be present in wildlife species, particularly bats. CDC recommends rabies vaccination before travel only for people working directly with wildlife. These people may include veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers working with specimens from mammalian species.

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in the British Indian Ocean Territory, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in the British Indian Ocean Territory. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in the British Indian Ocean Territory include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call the British Indian Ocean Territory’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of the British Indian Ocean Territory may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in the British Indian Ocean Territory, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for British Indian Ocean Territory (U.K.) for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Other Destinations

If you need help finding travel information:

Message & data rates may apply. CDC Privacy Policy

File Formats Help:

• Adobe PDF file
• Microsoft PowerPoint file
• Microsoft Word file
• Microsoft Excel file
• Audio/Video file
• Apple Quicktime file
• RealPlayer file
• Zip Archive file

Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
• Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
• You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
• CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website.