Two fatal cases of Japanese encephalitis have been reported in Kota Setar district, in the northern peninsular state of Kedah. According to local media, an outbreak was declared after JE cases rose to 10 with three deaths. Kedah, which includes the Langkawi archipelago, shares borders with the state of Perlis and two southern Thai provinces (Satun and Songkhla). Read more
Advice for travellers
A mosquito-borne virus, JE is usually found in many parts of Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and China, although cases also occur in Indonesia and PNG. It is mainly found in rural areas around rice paddies where pigs, wading birds and humans live closely together, however it does also occur in or near cities. The risk to short-stay travellers who confine their travel to large urban centres and use appropriate mosquito bite avoidance measures is low. The recommendations for vaccination are itinerary-specific. Read more on JE.
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.