The dengue virus has spread from south Florida’s Miami Dade County to its northerly neighbour Broward, with 10 locally-acquired cases reported in the state in the year to August 5. The two cases in Broward County were listed in the latest health department update (total of seven DENV-3, three of DENV-2). Other dengue fever updates within the greater region were posted by Mexico (a 4,375 percent rise in cases compared to the same period last year in the Caribbean coastal state of Quintana Roo, near the resort area of Cancun) and in Guyana. Read more
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.