Japanese encephalitis infections have been reported in the NE state of Assam, signalling the start of the annual peak season. The first cases have been treated in hospital in Jorhat, in the Brahmaputra Valley. Read more
PREPARATIONS, including evacuations and shelter-building, are being implemented in both India and Bangladesh as ‘super’ Cyclone Amphan nears land in the Bay of Bengal. The weather system is expected to compromise local responses to COVID-19 flare-ups being experienced by both countries. Read more
Advice for travellers
A mosquito-borne virus, JE is usually found in many part of Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and China, although cases also occur in Indonesia and PNG. It is mainly found in rural areas around rice paddies where pigs, wading birds and humans live closely together, however it does also occur in or near cities. The risk to short-stay travellers who confine their travel to large urban centres and use appropriate mosquito bite avoidance measures is low. The recommendations for vaccination are itinerary-specific. Read more on JE.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.