The name rVSV-ZEBOV may not mean much at the moment, but those letters could be lifesaving in a few months.

That’s because the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine is the world’s first for Ebola. The immunization proved 100 percent effective in testing and could be licensed for sale by the end of this year.

Many are excited about this breakthrough. The prospect of eradicating Ebola is a dream come true, especially after the worldwide outbreak in 2014.

But, it might be too early to start planning your end-of-Ebola party. In fact, current plans and critics of the vaccine show that it might not spell an immediate end for the virus.

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Just before the calendar flipped to 2017, the world was gifted a breakthrough in virus-prevention.

Ebola virus, the worldwide outbreak from years ago, had a vaccine. And not just any vaccine, but one that was 100 percent effective in trial testing.

For many, Ebola may seem like old news.

The virus dominated the news cycle in 2014. An Ebola outbreak in western Africa spread to North America and Europe. The virus had spread throughout Africa for decades. But until 2014, had never made it’s way to the other continents. With every new case in the regions, Ebola-panic grew.

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Canada is in the midst of an unprecedented mumps outbreak in 2017, as the number of infected in some regions has already surpassed expected cases for the whole year.

Clusters of mumps cases have been reported throughout areas of Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia. The outbreak appears to be hitting Manitoba worse than any other region, with 176 confirmed cases of mumps in the territory since Sept. 1.

The disease has been making a steady comeback over the last few years. With occasional surges in various areas, doctors expected outbreaks to stop due to public awareness and vaccines. But, cases of the disease are continuing to rise in Canada.

There are an average of four mumps cases per year in Toronto. City officials have reported 17 new cases of the disease since January. All of those infected are between the ages of 18-35 and most don’t have updated vaccination records.

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When the world is short on a vaccine, there’s quite a few obstacles to overcome before solving that issue.

It’s not like a food shortage where you can grow more or a drought for blood banks that can campaign for more donors.

Very few companies in the world manufacture vaccines. Even if the process is cheap, companies may not produce the vaccine fast enough to combat an outbreak.

That nightmare scenario almost became a reality for Asia in 2016.

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It was a simple pneumonia diagnosis.

While pneumonia is a serious illness, and it’s difficult to call any sign of it simple, this case seemed routine.

The man was sneezing, coughing and wheezing. He showed all the signs that would come with a 68-year-old suffering from pneumonia. The symptoms presented like an extreme cold or other respiratory virus.

But, this 68-year-old man did not have pneumonia.

The man contracted Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Unknowingly, he had started South Korea’s MERS outbreak of 2015.

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It happens every year during peak flu season.

Many of your coworkers, friends or family members are battling the contagious virus.

You feel fine, showing no symptoms of the virus despite spending time with people that are sneezing and feverish. But, even though you don’t show any signs of the flu, it’s naive to think you escaped the virus.

As is the case for many people, you may be infected with the flu and just not know it. There could be some mild symptoms or even none at all.

But, despite never actually dealing with the illness, you are still contagious. Day-to-day you are unaware that you’re a carrier and take no precautions to stop its spread.

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The Mayans may seem like ancient history, but the culture remains lively in Guatemala.

Between ancient temples and locals practicing centuries-old traditions, Maya thrives in Guatemala. A country and culture that have grown with modern times and technology without forgetting its past.

This may be why Guatemala is often considered one of Central America’s underrated locations.

Many islands in the area are covered in beaches, but visitors love Guatemala for its variety.

Stunning oceans lead to sprawling jungles. Those giant temples are scattered around volcanoes and mountains. The towns still immersed in Maya culture cover the country, welcoming curious travellers.

But, with so many different environments, Guatemala is not without some health risks. The country is not considered a disease hotbed. But, you will need some preparations to avoid falling ill from a trip.

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So you head to an exotic location. The sites are awe-inducing and the locals welcome you like an old friend.

But, you’ve really been waiting that whole trip to try some of the local food.

No more knockoffs or subpar versions that you might eat back home. The real, authentic food that earned this country a great reputation.

Delectable meats and homegrown produce mesh with foreign spices to create a whole new flavor for your palate. The whole trip may be worth it just for the extraordinary cuisine that you will brag to friends about upon your return.

Unfortunately, you aren’t feeling so great after the feast.

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History carries some weight in the Middle East.

Many became acquainted with the region thanks to ancient cities that were home to world famous stories. Places like Cairo, Jerusalem and Constantinople boast tales complemented by ancient wonders of the world.

Given, it’s not the past that makes the Middle East so alluring.

The United Arab Emirates is a modern marvel, full of towering buildings and art museums rivaling those found anywhere else. Tel Aviv brings Israel to life with a vivid nightlife that’s becoming a holiday hotspot. Istanbul, a renamed Constantinople, combines new world wonders with ancient landmarks.

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Ancient Buddhist temples decorate the mountains and forests of Thailand.

The country is rich in spirituality that stretches from the Gulf of Thailand to northern borders near Myanmar and Laos.

That is, unless you are looking for something a bit more laid back. Or even wild, because places like Phuket and Koh Samui bring a party atmosphere to the Asian country.

Thailand welcomes a variety of visitors, thanks to vast landscapes in the north and beaches filling the south.

Options during your Thailand trip can be amazing, but that also leaves more climates to get sick. Far different bacteria and viruses are present depending on where you visit in the Asian country.

Whether you check out the rural areas or chill by the ocean, some medical preparations are needed. Here’s the vaccines and tips to stay healthy during a trip to Thailand.

Which Vaccines Do I Need for Thailand?

The reliable method to avoid getting sick while travelling is with immunizations. The Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization recommend these vaccines for a trip to Thailand:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Typhoid
• Malaria
• Rabies
• Yellow Fever (if coming from a country with the virus)
• Routine Vaccinations

Looking for more information about each vaccine? Check out the individual pages or contact Passport Health. Schedule an appointment online or call us at .

Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Thailand

News about the worldwide Zika outbreak have been unavoidable over the past year. A vaccine for the virus is progressing quickly, but Zika continues to be a serious health risk.

Despite the Zika virus risks, this may not be Thailand’s most dangerous mosquito-borne disease.

Dengue fever spread to over 200,000 people in Thailand over the last two years, causing hundreds of deaths. Some hospitals in Thailand are using a new dengue vaccine. But, the disease is still circulating.

Mosquito nets and insect repellent sprays should be used whenever possible.

The forest areas of Thailand are not prevalent for mosquitoes compared to other countries. Despite this, extra precautions should still be taken when visiting forests throughout the country. Avoid perfumes or lotions that may attract insects and wear long sleeves and pants to keep most of your skin covered.

These should also help keep away from mosquitoes carrying other diseases. This includes Zika, Chikungunya fever, Filariasis, Malaria and other diseases.

Although there are vaccines for some mosquito-borne diseases, we still recommend precautions to avoid the insects.

Where Should I Go While Visiting Thailand?

While Bangkok may be Thailand’s most popular city, there is much to check out just outside of the capital.

You may have to set that alarm clock a bit early, but the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is worth the lack of sleep. Using a long boat, float to different vendors to pick up your fresh produce or homemade souvenirs. The place now fills with tourists. But, it provides a culture experience that solely belongs to Thailand.

Wherever you end up in Thailand, elephant enthusiasts can likely spend some time with the gentle giants.

From Chiang Mai in the northwest to Surin in the southeast, Thailand is not short on elephant sanctuaries. The parks adhere to strict rules that make the elephants feel safe, while allowing people to spend some quality time with the creatures.

Thailand’s rural areas should be a go-to spot for any person looking for a serene visit.

Chang Rai lays claim to the stunning White Temple, along with many other ancient Buddhist attractions. Sukhothai and Ayutthaya paint pictures of previous wealthy kingdoms with their giant ruins. And Lopburi boasts a history stretching back for millennia, although you may share space with native monkeys to look at those ruins.

Did we miss any must-see places in Thailand? How about some crucial medical information? Let us know in the comments, or via Facebook and Twitter.