The parishes of St David, St George’s and St Andrew are to be the focus of vector control measures after an increase in dengue fever cases in the area. The national YTD total is nearing the count for all of 2019. A similar rise in dengue cases since July has occurred in nearby St Vincent and the Grenadines, which has also recorded four dengue-related deaths. Elsewhere, a Santé Publique France update on the French Antilles’ epidemics confirms activity is intensifying in Martinique and Guadeloupe; Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy are also in an epidemic phase. And Mexico’s dengue cases are down on last year but still number more than 11,000 with highest reports from the states of Jalisco, Michoacán, Veracruz and San Luis Potosí.
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.