Dengue fever transmission continues at a fast pace in Hanoi and new outbreak areas are still being reported. The districts of Hoang Mai, Phu Xuyen and Ha Dong all registered more than 1,500 cases over the past week. Elsewhere, Sri Lanka’s western and Kandy regions have seen an uptick in dengue cases as the national total passed 66,600 for the year. The wet weather is also likely to cause an upswing in diarrhoeal and eye infections. Lastly, the Burkina Faso cities of Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso are at the centre of a deadly dengue epidemic that has so far killed more than 200 people. Read more
Advice for travellers
Avoid mosquito bites to protect against dengue fever. To avoid biting insects, apply repellent containing an active ingredient, such as DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD) to all exposed skin when outdoors. 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 outdoors. Travellers should also cover up with long-sleeved tops, long pants, and shoes and socks when mosquitoes are most 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.