Member Communications

Please find here copies of recent emails sent out to our Members. They will be removed from this page when they become obsolete/the event or activity they refer to has passed.

20 January 2012

Please note the IWA Office will be closed for Chinese New Year from 23rd January till 27th January, and will re-open on 30th January. Contact your Interest Group co-ordinator to see if any groups will be meeting during this period.

May we take this opportunity to wish you & yours a happy, health & prosperous Year of The Dragon.

Medical Alert 7 Dec 2011

Malaysia: Sarcocystosis tracked to Tioman Island
Over 20 people from at least six countries who visited Tioman Island, peninsular Malaysia, between June and August 2011, have been diagnosed with sarcocyostosis. The illnesses were diagnosed in their home countries, after they developed muscle pains and diarrhoea. Those affected were from Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore and Switzerland. All had a common travel history to Tioman Island, and many had visited Perhentian Island. An outbreak may be underway locally, and many more travellers may have been infected.
Severe muscle pain was a common symptom described by all patients. Some had diarrhoea which occurred prior to their return journeys and a number had fast heart rates and abnormalities noted on electrocardiogram. All have improved with treatment.

The Disease
Sarcocystosis is a disease caused by the parasite sarcocystis. The extent, nature and management of the disease in humans has not been fully studied, and cases are probably underreported.
Sarcocystsis parasites occur throughout the world, however most human cases are reported from Southeast Asia. Animals are usually affected. In humans, the parasite can infect the intestinal tract and/or the muscles. Some people may not show any symptoms. Symptoms, if they do develop, are of fever, muscle pain and diarrhoea.
Sarcocystis parasites are found in the meat and faeces of infected animals. People are infected by eating contaminated food such as beef or pork, or through ingesting contaminated water. The parasites are killed by heat, which is why proper cooking and pasteurization (heat treatment) are ways to increase food safety.
There is no vaccine or medication to prevent infection. Treatment with antibiotics, antiparasitic agents or corticosteroids is sometimes used, however their effectiveness is uncertain.

International SOS comment
An outbreak may be underway in Tioman Island. To prevent infection, travellers should:
Be careful in their selection of food and water
Ensure all food, including meat, is thoroughly cooked
Drink only boiled or bottled water from safe sources
Use safe water for cleaning teeth and preparing food
NOT swim in fresh water
Pay attention to hygiene - wash your hands, especially after going to the bathroom and before eating

November 2010     

Sent 14 January 2010:

Dear Ladies,

As promised during the meeting "What Happens If...." IWA are compiling a database of members blood groups should the need for blood donations become an emergency in the future. If you are willing to donate your blood in an emergency could you please reply to this email with your blood group type so we can keep the information confidentially on our database.

Leigh Pratt

IWA President

Last Update: 15-12-2011