Health officials have alerted residents to be aware of ticks when outdoors and have reinforced messages on avoiding bites and checking their skin and clothing after returning home, with confirmations of Lyme disease on the increase as well as some reports of tick-borne encephalitis cases. Read more
Advice for travellers
A viral infection, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) can cause fever, vomiting, cramps and paralysis, which can be prolonged. In rare instances, infection can be fatal. Travellers who spend time in regions where TBE is endemic – mainly forested areas of Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, Northern China, and Mongolia – may be at risk. The highest risk is during the warmer months from April to November, especially when hiking or camping in areas below 1500m. While most infections are contracted through the bites of infected ticks, food-borne transmission through untreated dairy products is a known mode of transmission. Safe and effective vaccines are available in Europe, but none are licensed in Australia, however the vaccine can be obtained by a medical practitioner through a Special Access Scheme. Read more about TBE.
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.