The ECDC’s Communicable Disease Threats Report (Jan 20-26) notes increasing influenza activity following seasonal patterns with both A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) viruses circulating widely. From Flu News Europe, countries reporting high levels of flu activity in January are Romania, Turkey and Montenegro. The Report also provides an epidemiological summary of dengue fever for countries with ‘an increasing trend compared with 2017’. They include Thailand (up 50%), Taiwan (10-fold), Bangladesh (11-fold), Cambodia (4-fold), the Philippines (10-fold) and Singapore.
Advice for travellers
Seasonal flu is the most common vaccine-preventable travel-related illness because it is a potential risk during every stage of the journey. Whether you are travelling within Australia or overseas, Travelvax recommends vaccination, when available, for all travellers over 6 months of age. Read more about influenza.
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.