News & Reports

Uganda has been battling a Mpox outbreak for over six months, with early cases concentrated in low-income urban settlements. However, a shift is emerging as the disease spreads into middle-class neighborhoods. Uganda has reported 3,310 confirmed cases and 22 deaths linked to the virus. The most affected areas include Kampala District, Masaka City, Wakiso, Lwengo, Mukono, Kyotera, Mbale City, and Bushenyi.   Advice: The risk of Mpox for travelers is low, but general precautions are recommended. Check if you can get vaccinated against Mpox. Avoid close contact with sick individuals and animals (or raw meat) that could carry the virus. Wash hands frequently. Seek medical attention if you feel unwell. For more information, check out the attached link. https://www.cdc.gov/mpox/  

A protest is currently taking place in Lilongwe, where street vendors are demonstrating near the National Parliament Building. The vendors are expressing dissatisfaction with President Lazarus Chakwera's government, especially regarding the rising prices of clothing and shoes. There is a tight security presence around the parliament.   Advice: Avoid the areas surrounding the National Parliament Building due to potential disruptions and heightened security measures. If you encounter large gatherings or demonstrations, maintain a safe distance and adhere to instructions from local authorities to ensure personal safety.  

The Namibia Meteorological Service has issued a warning for moderate to heavy thunderstorms with potential flash floods affecting the Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, Khomas, and Hardap regions this week.   Advice: Avoid affected areas and exercise caution on roads prone to flooding. Postpone non-essential travel. If driving, avoid crossing flooded roads. Keep battery-powered devices charged for possible power outages. Monitor updates from local authorities and weather services.  

A Western Disturbance is expected to bring significant weather changes across northern India. From February 25 to 28, widespread light to moderate rainfall and snowfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, are likely over Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Heavy to very heavy precipitation is anticipated in these regions, particularly on February 27. Adjacent areas such as Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan may experience light to moderate rainfall with isolated thunderstorms between February 26 and March 1.   Advice: Avoid flood-prone areas, including elevated streams and flooded roadways, and be cautious in hilly regions due to landslide and avalanche risks. Prepare for potential power outages by charging devices and anticipate possible transportation disruptions throughout the impacted areas.  

A heavy rainstorm has moved into western Cuba, causing massive flooding in the areas of Havana and Pinar Del Rio. It is expected that wind intensity and rainfall amounts will increase as the storm extends across northwestern Cuba.   Advice: Individuals in the affected regions should avoid flooded areas and refrain from driving or walking through floodwaters. Stay indoors where possible and monitor official weather updates for the latest information. Stock up on essential supplies, and prepare for potential power outages. Follow any evacuation orders issued by local authorities. Be cautious of hazards such as downed power lines and contaminated water.  

A bombing has occurred in an urban area in the municipality of Morales, Cauca. The bombing occurred as children were leaving school and the explosion injured two police officers in the area. The major indicated that several minors were also injured by the blast.   Advice: Individuals in Colombia are advised to avoid the affected area to allow emergency services to operate unimpeded and to prevent potential exposure to further danger. Follow instructions from local authorities and monitor official news sources for updates. Remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement. Be prepared for potential road closures and increased security measures.  

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a Lassa fever outbreak across Nigeria, resulting in at least 80 deaths since February 2025. A total of 413 confirmed cases have been recorded, with the southwestern state of Ondo being the most affected. The outbreak has spread to 63 local government areas across 11 states. Lassa fever is transmitted through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent excreta or direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals. Additionally, person-to-person transmission can occur through direct contact with the blood, urine, vomit, breast milk, semen, or saliva of an infected individual   Advice: Travelers in Nigeria are advised to take precautions to prevent infection. Avoid contact with rodents, ensure food is stored properly, and maintain good hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing. Seek medical attention promptly if you experience symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, or muscle pain. Stay updated through official health advisories and follow any instructions from local health authorities. We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates as it develops.  

Large protests are scheduled to occur across the United States on March 4, 2025. These protests may cause disruptions to the roadways, specifically areas near government centers. It is unknown what areas these protests may affect at this time and have the chance to occur in all 50 states. In the past, these protests have caused a significant increase in pedestrian traffic and security measures. Large-scale protests may turn dangerous and have the potential to cause serious harm.   Advice: For now, travelers in the states are advised to avoid city centers at this time if possible and plan alternative routes to minimize disruptions. Allow extra time for your journey, stay updated through local traffic reports, and follow any instructions from law enforcement or security personnel. We are continuing to monitor gatherings and social movements and will continue to report on obstructions and disruptions as they develop.  

A fatal road accident occurred on February 24, 2025, along the Jinja-Iganga highway in Uganda. A Fuso truck carrying mangoes veered off the road at Wanyange Mile 5 and overturned onto a parked taxi, resulting in a tragic loss of life. Preliminary investigations suggest driver fatigue and poor road conditions contributed to the crash. The Jinja-Iganga highway is notorious for frequent accidents due to speeding, poorly maintained vehicles, and hazardous road conditions.   Advice: Travelers on the Jinja-Iganga highway should avoid night travel, as fatigue-related accidents are common, and ensure their vehicles are in good condition. Be cautious in high-risk areas like Wanyange, adhere to speed limits, and stay informed through local traffic updates. Following these precautions can significantly reduce travel risks on this hazardous route.  

Heavy rainfall has severely impacted the Nariño Department in the past two weeks, affecting over 19,500 residents across three municipalities. The deluge has caused extensive damage to homes and significant losses in agriculture and livelihoods. Heavy rainfall is forecasted across the affected region in the next 24 hours.   Advice: Exercise caution if traveling in affected regions due to potential hazards such as flooding and landslides. Check road conditions before traveling and refrain from driving through flooded roads.