Health authorities in South Australia have issued an alert relating to a rise in gastrointestinal illness due to a naturally-occurring bacterium in coastal waters, Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Media outlets have reported on 36 cases in South Australia (and several in both Western Australia and Victoria), some of whom had eaten raw or partially cooked oysters. Last year, SA recorded zero V. parahaemolyticus cases. Advice from SA Health: ‘Raw unshucked oysters should be stored at less than 10°C and shucked oysters at less than 5°C to minimise the risk of _Vibrio parahaemolyticus_ infection’. Additionally, the elderly and pregnant or immunocompromised people should ‘refrain from eating raw or undercooked seafood’. 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.