World travel health alerts for 7th of May 2024.
Dengue alert
According to the U.S.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),an alert that Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka are reporting confirmed dengue cases. outbreaks in 2024. Read more
Advice for travellers
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. Travellers should cover up with long-sleeved tops, long pants, and shoes and socks when mosquitoes are most active. Apply repellent containing an active ingredient, such as DEET, Picaridin, or PMD when outdoors to all exposed skin. Read more about dengue fever.
Rabies cases
The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed Timor-Leste's first fatal human case of rabies. Approximately 30 suspected rabies cases in humans exposed to dogs had been reported in the Oecusse Municipality so far this year. Read more
Advice for travellers
Rabies is present in most countries and all travellers should be aware of the importance of avoiding contact with wild and domestic animals. If bitten or scratched, urgent post-exposure treatment is required. Vaccination is normally recommended for longer stays, especially travellers planning to live in, or travel extensively through, rural areas and also for children; however the final recommendation is itinerary-specific. Read more on rabies.
Sexually transmitted infections surging across Europe
New released data by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) shows a surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across Europe. Reports show a gonorrhoea rise of 48%, syphilis cases up 34%, and chlamydia cases up 16% compared with last year. Read more
Advice for travellers
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are spread predominantly by unprotected sexual contact. Some STIs can also be transmitted during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding and through infected blood or blood products. STIs have a profound impact on health. If untreated, they can lead to serious consequences including neurological and cardiovascular disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirths, and increased risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and quality of life.
Condoms used correctly and consistently are effective methods to protect against STIs and HIV. Screening with early diagnosis of people with STIs and their sexual partners offers the best opportunity for effective treatment and for preventing complications and further transmission. Read more
Hepatitis A Outbreak
The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health has announced that an outbreak of hepatitis A has hit the West region in eastern Lebanon, with 40 confirmed cases. Read more
Advice for travellers
Hepatitis A (HAV) is a vaccine-preventable viral disease passed on to humans primarily through oral contact with faeces of an infected person. This can occur through consuming contaminated food and water, by handling everyday items and through some types of sexual contact. It is a significant risk in travellers to developing countries where sanitation and hygiene are lacking. A course of hepatitis A vaccine offers immunity that is highly effective and offers long term protection.
Malaria cases on the rise
Madagascar is one of the countries most affected by malaria, with reported cases rising. The Ministry of Public Health has reported 2.8 million cases and 400 deaths in 2023, compared to 1.7 million in 2022, with children under five particularly at risk of complications. Read more
Advice for travellers
Travellers visiting malarious regions should discuss their itinerary and the possible need for anti-malaria medication during a pre-travel medical consultation. Read more about malaria.
Measles outbreak
The CDC has issued a Level 1 Travel Health Notice for Measles in the Philippines, and recommends that all travellers to the Philippines be fully vaccinated against measles. Read more
Advice for travellers
Measles is a highly contagious virus and can cause serious illness in people of all ages. Most cases reported in Australia are linked to overseas travel - both developing and developed countries. Travelvax Australia recommends travellers check their immunisation status for measles and other childhood diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis) and mumps 6 weeks before departure.
Tuberculosis outbreak confirmed in Long Beach California
The City of Long Beach in California has issued a statement advising of a Tuberculosis (TB) outbreak.
14 cases of TB disease have been associated with this outbreak, with nine people hospitalised and one person has died. Read more
Advice for travellers
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that can affect any part of your body, but most commonly infects your lungs. The disease can be latent (where you have no symptoms and are not infectious), or active (where you are unwell and infectious). TB is treated with a combination of antibiotics over a period of at least 6 months. The BCG vaccine prevents you becoming very unwell with TB, but it is only recommended in Australia for people at high risk of exposure to TB or children under 5 travelling overseas to countries with risk of TB infection. Read more
Las Vegas and Cincinnati measles exposure
Health officials in the Las Vegas area and Cincinnati have issued warnings about potential measles exposures in public locations linked to sick visitors from out of state, part of an ongoing rise in measles activity in the United States. Read more
Advice for travellers
Easily preventable through vaccination, measles and mumps are highly contagious diseases that can cause serious illness in people of all ages. Many cases reported in Australia are linked to overseas travel to both developing and developed countries. Travelvax Australia recommends travellers check their status for these and other routine childhood immunisations, such as tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough (pertussis) ahead of departure. Read more