It’s now past the annual dengue season (Nov-Apr), however national health authorities are still reporting anywhere from 100-500 new cases per day. Local news sources say several provinces with high dengue counts also have more COVID-19 cases - West Java, Bali, East Nusa Tenggara, East Java, Lampung, West Nusa Tenggara, Jakarta, Central Java, Yogyakarta, Riau and South Sulawesi are named. Co-infections are common. Read more. Many SE Asian countries have seen upticks of dengue fever infections during lockdowns with Singapore’s cases this year expected to exceed the previous maximum of 22,170 in 2013. The highest weekly totals ever recorded were registered in the past two weeks, taking the YTD total to nearly 13,000.
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.