The National Environment Agency is calling for the public to do the ‘5-step Mozzie Wipeout’ after surveillance revealed more of the dengue vectors in December, rounding out 2018 with nearly 20 percent more dengue cases (compared to 2017). In the first two weeks of the year, 455 cases have been recorded and the NEA is monitoring 53 active clusters – 12 are considered high-risk. The five step process is even more important currently because ‘as the Chinese New Year festive season approaches, homes and other premises are decorated with more ornamental plants’ – popular breeding sites for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. (Read the CDC Travel Notice re 2019 Lunar New Year travel.) Read more. While in Malaysia, statistics from the iDengue website, show cases since December 30 have climbed to more than 6,000 with most in the state of Selangor. Numbers had been trending upwards from mid-September to the end of the year, according to a WHO report.
Advice for travellers
Dengue is spread by two types of Aedes mosquitoes. Both breed close to dwellings, are found in shady areas and bite mainly during the daylight hours, making them difficult to avoid. 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 PMD when outdoors to all exposed skin. Read more about dengue fever.
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.