The Dept. of Health has updated its yellow fever – general fact sheet to reflect the addition of Argentina’s Corrientes province to its list of yellow fever risk countries and areas. As advised in the fact sheet, vaccination is ‘strongly recommended for travellers who have never been vaccinated for yellow fever and who intend to travel to countries where there is a risk of transmission’. Unvaccinated travellers will be subjected to border biosecurity processes, however ‘entry to Australia will not be refused on the basis of non-compliance with yellow fever monitoring and control requirements’.
IN THE southern hemisphere, Australia is one of three countries reporting increased influenza activity (with Argentina and Uruguay) from information applicable to July 7. Elsewhere, flu reporting activity was high or increasing in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba and French Guiana. More details in the WHO Influenza Update N° 346.
Advice for travellers
Yellow fever virus is a mosquito-borne disease found in tropical and subtropical areas in Central/South America and Africa. While it can be severe, yellow fever infection is a very rare in Australian travellers. However, under the International Health Regulations (IHR), proof of vaccination may be required of any traveller entering or leaving an area at risk of yellow fever transmission. Read more about yellow 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.