The Public Health Authority "Weqaya" warned travelers outside the Kingdom not to neglect adherence to health and preventive guidelines while traveling, especially during the summer season, which sees an increase in travel and movement, and the associated increased likelihood of exposure to some infectious diseases in several countries around the world. The Authority confirmed its continuous monitoring, in coordination with international health organizations, of developments in the global epidemiological situation, and reported cases or outbreaks of infectious diseases in some countries, including Hantavirus, Ebola virus disease, yellow fever, seasonal influenza, noting that continuous risk assessment contributes to enhancing the preparedness of the public health system and raising health awareness among travelers. "Weqaya" stressed the importance for travelers to check the health situation at their travel destinations before leaving the Kingdom, and to review approved health alerts and requirements, including vaccination requirements for countries that require them, foremost of which is the yellow fever vaccine when traveling to some endemic areas or countries that require a vaccination certificate. The Authority explained that infectious diseases vary in their modes of transmission and severity; Hantavirus is often associated with exposure to infected rodent secretions or contaminated environments, while Ebola virus disease is transmitted through direct contact with blood or body fluids of an infected or deceased person or infected animals. Yellow fever is transmitted through mosquito bites in endemic areas, while influenza is transmitted through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals. "Weqaya" called on travelers to avoid contact with people showing symptoms of illness, stay away from touching wild animals or rodents or their habitats, avoid visiting areas experiencing outbreaks or high cases of infectious diseases unless necessary, and adhere to instructions issued by health authorities in the destination country. The Authority advised travelers to maintain personal hygiene, wash hands regularly, ensure food and water safety, use mosquito bite prevention methods such as insect repellents and appropriate clothing, in addition to ensuring adequate health coverage while traveling. "Weqaya" recommended that travelers visit the nearest healthcare facility if symptoms of illness appear during travel or after returning to the Kingdom, especially if there is a history of travel to areas experiencing outbreaks, or direct contact with patients, animals, or high-risk environments, and inform the health practitioner of the travel history and any potential exposure, to contribute to rapid diagnosis and necessary health measures. The Public Health Authority called on everyone to obtain information from official sources, avoid spreading rumors or unreliable information, and benefit from travel alerts via the Public Health Authority website, to help protect travelers and the community from the risks of infectious diseases.

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