No link has yet surfaced between a rise in bacterial food poisonings, particularly among the elderly, reported in July and another in 2015 that was caused by the same organism. In the earlier outbreak, invasive group B _Streptococcus_ (GBS) sickened more than 160 people after they consumed contaminated raw freshwater fish. ProMED reports that GBS ST283 ‘was subsequently reported to be widespread in humans and aquaculture in South East Asia’. The health ministry has alerted doctors to the spike in cases in view of the infection’s early symptoms which are similar to those of both COVID-19 and dengue fever. Read more
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.