ProMED reports on an undisclosed number of filariasis infections among people of Yebyu township and onward spread to the regional capital of Tanintharyi, Dawei, and other nearby municipalities. Tanintharyi region lies on the Malay Peninsula (adjacent to the Thai province of Kanchanaburi). More on lymphatic filariasis (WHO).
Advice for travellers
Travellers are at low risk of lymphatic filariasis, a parasitic disease caused by thread-like roundworms spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. It is found in sub-Saharan Africa, Egypt, southern Asia, the western Pacific Islands, the north-eastern coast of Brazil, Guyana, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. While most infections have no symptoms, acute infection can lead to painful swelling of an affected limb, fever, or chills due to bacterial superinfection. Avoiding mosquito bites is the best form of prevention. Read more.
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.