Dengue fever cases recorded for the year to April 16 climbed to 13,619 (and 11 deaths). While more than 3,000 cases were from Colombo and its environs, Gampaha and Jaffna also reported high numbers of infections. Peak dengue season is yet to start – last year June and July were the high season months. Read more. Also in the region, this week health authorities in the Maldives stated that the recent upsurge in mosquito-borne infections is likely to continue, adding to the 1,493 cases of dengue and 660 cases of chikungunya reported to date. The hike in dengue cases is an almost 4-fold increase on 2018 notifications for this period. Areas affected include the capital, Malé and outlying islands. Read more
Advice for travellers
Avoid mosquito bites and you won’t get 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.