Nearly 140 suspected cases of dengue fever are being investigated in the town of Doksum in the NE district of Trashiyangtse; one death has been registered to date. The town lies close to the sacred Buddhist site of Gomphu Kora. Read more. There are separate reports for smaller outbreaks in Hetauda in south, central Nepal and Taiwan (first autochthonous case this year in Taoyuan City), as well as the large outbreaks underway in the Philippines (July’s dengue alert now upgraded to national epidemic after more than 660 deaths this year), Sri Lanka (more than 35,000 cases, 47 deaths; high risk districts - Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Ratnapura, Galle), Bangladesh (2,000 new cases in one 24-hour period this week taking total of dengue hospitalisations to more than 27,000), Laos (early start to the season this year – now more than 20,000 cases and 48 related deaths) and Malaysia (more than 500 cases daily country-wide; 80,000+ cases, 113 deaths).
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.