Travel health is not one outbreak.

CDC's travel notice index does list the Democratic Republic of the Congo under Level 3 for Bundibugyo virus disease, with a recommendation to reconsider nonessential travel to affected provinces [1]. That is the item most likely to travel through the news cycle.

But the same index puts newer, quieter tasks beside it. Under Level 2, CDC lists malaria in Mayotte, dated June 2, after increased cases were reported there; the index describes malaria as spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes [1]. Under Level 1, CDC lists diphtheria in Sub-Saharan Africa, also dated June 2, naming Chad, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, and Somalia and saying vaccination against diphtheria is essential [1].

The practical consequence is simple. A summer traveler does not need one global panic label. She needs a destination search. Ebola guidance may matter for DRC or Uganda. Malaria precautions may matter for Mayotte. Diphtheria vaccine status may matter before travel to several African countries. CDC uses Travel Health Notices for outbreaks, unusual disease locations, disasters, and mass gatherings, and to tell travelers what protective actions they can take [1]. The index is not a fear menu. It is a packing list with geography.

-- NORA WHITFIELD, Chicago