Europe

The Hungarian Authorities have removed the epidemic alert at the airport on the grounds that they consider new cases are no longer predominantly caused by foreign travel. The rising number of confirmed cases is caused by domestic, in-country transmission.  

The Hungarian government is making increasing efforts to inform and educate the wider public on hygiene standards and liaison with GP’s. Vaccine production to provide government stocks has begun.

There are confirmed cases of A (H1N1) – Swine Flu in Hungary, including deaths (source:  Chief Medical Officer (CMO)).  There are reports of confirmed and suspected Swine Flu infection in countries neighbouring Hungary. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO Website has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.

The Form E111 is no longer valid.  You should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. The EHIC is not a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Hungarian nationals.  It also does not cover you for medical repatriation, on-going medical treatment or treatment of a non-urgent nature.  For more general information see EHIC.

Before you travel you are advised to seek medical advice about inoculations and other measures to prevent tick-related medical problems (such as tick-borne encephalitis), especially if you will be visiting forested, grassy or lake-side areas.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 3,300 adults aged 15 or over in Hungary were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Hungary and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel

For more general health information see Travel health.
  or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

 

In January 2007, the Hungarian authorities confirmed the existence of the H5N1 (Avian Influenza) virus strain in five dead geese in south-east Hungary. Similar cases were also reported in 2006.  The Hungarian authorities have announced that strict biosecurity measures are being enforced in accordance with EU legislation.  Please see Health section for further information.  No human infections or deaths have been reported.  No human infections or deaths have been reported.

 

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low.  As a precaution, you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

You should read this advice in conjunction with the Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.