There have been calls from the government for residents affected by the recent cyclone to clear all debris from around their homes after more leptospirosis infections emerged. One village in Nadi has declared six cases recently; on a national level, this year there have been seven deaths due leptospirosis. The risk of more dengue cases also remains with pooled water providing ideal mosquito breeding sites. Read more. Elsewhere in the Pacific, the latest Cook Islands government update on their dengue fever outbreak shows the count of probable cases rose sharply in March and April; two dengue serotypes were circulating and most cases have been in Raratonga. The dengue outbreak in the Marshall Islands also continues.
Advice for travellers
Leptospirosis is spread through the urine of infected animals, typically rats. The bacterium enters the body through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth, as well as through broken skin. Outbreaks are typically associated with exposure to floodwaters, making leptospirosis a low risk for most travellers. Read more about leptospirosis.
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.