Last month a level two health alert was instituted after an imported DENV-2 infection was diagnosed in a new arrival from New Caledonia; the reason being that over 80 percent of the local population has never been exposed to this strain. The alert remains in operation and will continue to do so after authorities confirmed a locally acquired DENV-2 infection in the area of Patuto'a, near the port and main shopping precinct. Read more. And in Palau it is DENV-3 that is the newcomer, with advice from the Ministry of Health that ‘the whole population is potentially vulnerable to infection’. Eight new infections were diagnosed in the most recent reporting week, taking the total since early December to 124. The majority of the cases have been in the southern states of Koror and Airai.
Advice for travellers
Dengue fever is common in most tropical or sub-tropical regions of the world. The virus is spread by daytime-feeding Aedes mosquitoes and to avoid it and other insect-borne diseases, travellers should apply an insect repellent containing an effective active ingredient, such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, to exposed skin when outdoors during the day. In addition, cover up with long-sleeved tops, long pants, and shoes and socks around dawn and dusk, as well as other times when the mosquitoes are active.
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.