A comprehensive campaign has been put in place to limit the spread of dengue fever with the current total sitting at 40 (37 from Rarotonga, 3 from Aitutaki). A Ministry of Health report dated Apr 30 states that 18 cases have been confirmed as DENV-1 and ‘ the first confirmed DENV-1 case was a German visitor who arrived from French Polynesia’. Read more Last week NZ health authorities confirmed a dengue fever infection in a recent arrival from the Cook Islands (also 10 imported cases with travel history to Fiji).
Advice for travellers
Avoid mosquito bites and you won’t get dengue fever. To avoid biting insects, apply repellent containing an active ingredient, such as DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD) to all exposed skin when outdoors. Dengue is spread by two types of aedes mosquitoes. Both breed close to dwellings, are found in shady areas and bite mainly during the daylight hours, making them difficult to avoid outdoors. Travellers should also cover up with long-sleeved tops, long pants, and shoes and socks when mosquitoes are most 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.