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Bangladesh: Extremely Fatal Virus in Fresh Sap, Fruit

Date: February 15th, 2012 |

An outbreak of the Nipah virus (NIV) has killed at least 30 people since Jan. 2011 in northern Bangladesh. The pathogen is spread by fruit bats, and in this outbreak the disease has been fatal in all reported cases. The main conduit for infection is believed to be the consumption of palm tree sap, often [read more]

Israel: Tourist Center to be Built in Tense Neighborhood

Date: February 15th, 2012 |

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The government has given a Jewish group permission to build an archaeological center in Silwan, a tense Arab neighborhood in East Jerusalem. Silwan is near Jerusalem’s Old City, and is the site of clashes between Arab residents and Jewish guards protecting 80 Jewish families who have settled there. Proponents of the plan hope it will [read more]

Philippines: From Power Plant to Tourist Destination

Date: February 15th, 2012 |

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In 1984, the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant was set to be the first power plant of its type in Southeast Asia. Then the Chernobyl disaster happened in Russia, and the plans to start using the plant were abruptly stalled. After years of lobbying, the plant looked as if it might actually be turned on, until [read more]

China: Bird Flu Claims Two Victims in a Month

Date: January 25th, 2012 |

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Following multiple deaths in Vietnam and Cambodia, China has reported its second bird flu death in a month. While the flu was highly pathogenic, it was not confirmed to be the infamous H5N1 strain. The most recent victim was a 39-year-old male who reportedly had no contact with poultry. The World Health Organization says that [read more]

Mexico: Violence Spreading

Date: January 25th, 2012 |

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Drug violence that has largely been contained to the border regions is beginning to spread to places once thought safe from the infamous carnage. Two weeks ago, a pair of headless bodies were found in a burning minivan in front of one of Mexico City’s largest and most expensive shopping malls. Guadalajara and Veracruz—thought safe [read more]

Brazil: Police Strike Ends Days before Carnival

Date: February 15th, 2012 |

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A police strike in the state of Bahia that began Feb. 1 finally ended, just days before Carnival celebrations were set to commence. During the strike, the city of Salvador, which is famous for its enormous Carnival festivities, plunged into chaos as looters and violent criminals stormed the streets. Schools cancelled classes, shops closed down [read more]

Mexico: In-Depth Travel Warning ahead of Spring Break

Date: February 15th, 2012 |

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As spring break looms on the horizon for many college campuses in the U.S., the State Department has issued an in-depth travel warning for Mexico, a popular spot for American college students. While the warning concedes that the Mexican government takes extra precautions to protect tourists and that resort areas have not typically seen the [read more]

Bahrain: Travel Alert about Violent Demonstrations

Date: January 25th, 2012 |

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The U.S. State Department issued a travel alert about the ongoing possibility for violent demonstrations throughout Bahrain. In recent months, all travelers have faced increased scrutiny trying to get into the country and Bahraini officials have denied entry to some U.S. citizens. Traveling within the country can become dangerous without notice, as clashes between security [read more]

Egypt: 31-year-old Emergency Laws Lifted in some Cases

Date: January 25th, 2012 |

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In a manner of speaking, military rulers have lifted the 31-year-old emergency laws that gave police far-reaching powers. The emergency powers can still be used to combat crimes committed by “thugs,” a term that the military failed to define. Rights groups and pro-democracy activists in the country have already voiced disdain for the declaration’s ambiguity. [read more]

Worldwide: Guests Advised to Purchase Trip Insurance

Date: January 25th, 2012 |

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January is one of the busier months for cruise enthusiasts, but this season travel agents have been fielding more questions regarding safety and liability in light of the recent Costa Concordia tragedy. Statistically speaking, cruising is one of the safest forms of travel, but cruise lines take no chances in terms of liability. Under most [read more]

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