Climatic conditions favouring mosquito breeding have led to a recent uptick in dengue fever cases in five states - Minas Gerais, Alagoas, Rio Grande do Sul, Tocantins and ‘cities in the interior of São Paulo’. In Minas Gerais, chikungunya cases have also spiked. And in Colombia, health authorities have warned of the increased risk of outbreaks of infections transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes (dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika virus) due to prevailing wet weather and more forecast. Above average rains are expected in ‘the Caribbean lowlands, Middle Magdalena River basin, Orinoquia, northern Amazon and the central Andes’. Further north, doctors in Puerto Rico have reported an increase in dengue cases since August last year, with some indications that a larger outbreak may be looming. Read more
Advice for travellers
Dengue fever is common in most tropical or sub-tropical regions of the world. The virus is spread by daytime-feeding Aedes mosquitoes and to avoid it and other insect-borne diseases, travellers should apply an insect repellent containing an effective active ingredient, such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD), to exposed skin when outdoors during the day. In addition, cover up with long-sleeved tops, long pants, and shoes and socks around dawn and dusk, as well as other times when the mosquitoes are active.
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.