Dengue fever cases have doubled in Dhaka in the past month amid reports that many areas of the capital were found to have large infestations of the Aedes mosquito vector. In Singapore, the NEA notes that the ‘persistently high Aedes aegypti mosquito population increases the risk of transmission of the dengue virus’ with active clusters more than doubling over the past five weeks. This year, dengue fever cases have tripled those recorded in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, for the same period in 2018 with weather conditions proving favourable for mosquito proliferation. Nepalese authorities are to conduct dengue awareness campaigns for residents of Kathmandu and the nearby districts of Lalitpur and Bhaktapur after Aedes mosquito populations were discovered in the area – several dengue cases were reported from one township in west Kathmandu last year. Read more
Advice for travellers
Dengue is spread by two types of Aedes mosquitoes which breed in shady areas close homes and other accommodation. Both bite mainly during the daylight hours, making them difficult to avoid outdoors. Travellers should cover up with long-sleeved tops, long pants, and shoes and socks when mosquitoes are most active. Apply repellent containing an active ingredient, such as DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD) when outdoors to all exposed skin. Read more about dengue fever and preventing insect bites.
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.