Lima’s dengue alert

There have been calls for Lima’s municipal authorities to introduce insecticide fogging across 14 districts where locally-acquired and introduced dengue fever cases have been reported recently and/or confirmed presence of a dengue vector, the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The affected districts are Breña, Jesús María, La Victoria, Lince, Magdalena, Miraflores, Pueblo Libre, San Borja, San Isidro, San Juan de Lurigancho, San Luis, San Miguel, Surquillo and El Cercado. Read more

Advice for travellers

Dengue occurs both in urban and rural areas, around human habitation. The virus is spread by Aedes mosquitoes which breed in shady places close to dwellings and bite mainly during the daylight hours, making them difficult to avoid when outdoors. Travellers should cover up with long-sleeved tops, long pants, and shoes and socks when mosquitoes are most active. Apply repellent containing an active ingredient, such as DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (or PMD) when outdoors to all exposed skin. Read more about dengue fever and preventing insect bites.

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.