World travel health alerts for 31st of October 2023.
Buruli ulcer heading for record cases in Victoria
Researchers are investigating possible new links as a further cause of the persistent spread of the Buruli ulcer in Victoria.Scientists have already confirmed links between possums and mosquitoes to humans as the transmission of Mycobacterium ulcerans, the bacteria that cause the Buruli ulcer. Read more
Advice for travellers
Buruli ulcer is a bacterial skin infection, which can be mistaken for an insect bite however the ulcers appear slowly as a painless lump or wound enlarging over time. Case numbers this year are currently higher than previous years. The highest risk for infection occurs during the warmer months, but it usually takes between 4-5 months for an ulcer to develop following infection. Read more
Projected warnings of increased transmission of dengue, chikungunya and Zika expected
Low rainfall and dry conditions increase the Aedes mosquito breeding sites by increasing locally stored water for domestic use during drier seasons. The latest seasonal forecasts indicate a particularly high likelihood of below-normal rainfall in Indonesia, Timor-Leste and Myanmar. Read more
Advice for travellers
The presence of Chikungunya, dengue and Zika virus should emphasise the importance of taking steps to avoid bites from the day-time feeding mosquitoes that spread them. With no vaccine or prevention medication to protect travellers, using an effective, tropical-strength repellent to avoid insect bites is a must.
Influenza and COVID-19 winter warning
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease control (ECDC) are advising everyone eligible to get vaccinated or boosted to reduce loss of life over the coming autumn and winter. Read more
Advice for travellers
Seasonal flu is the most common vaccine-preventable travel-related illness in most years because it is a potential risk during every stage of the journey. Whether you are travelling within Australia or overseas, Travelvax recommends vaccination for all travellers over 6 months of age. Read more about influenza.
Diptheria in children
538 cases of diphtheria have been reported in Guinea from July to mid-October the Kankan region, the east-central part of Guinea. The highest rate of infections is in the ages of 1-4 years. Read more
Advice for travellers
Diphtheria is caught by coming into contact with droplets from the respiratory tract of an infected person—particularly spread by coughing or sneezing. If the disease is cutaneous, it can be spread by coming into contact with the wounds or lesions of an infected person.
Yucatan Peninsula's dengue hotspot disrupts holiday makers
Reports from Mexico's Health Ministry show there have been over 30,200 confirmed cases of dengue fever at a top rated Mexican holiday destination - the Yucatan Peninsula, between January and October this year. These case numbers confirm a rise of 337% of dengue cases in one year. Read more
Advice for travellers
Dengue is spread by Aedes mosquitoes which breed in shady areas close homes and other accommodation. They bite mainly during the daylight hours, making them difficult to avoid outdoors. 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 oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD) when outdoors to all exposed skin. Read more about dengue fever and preventing insect bites.
Dengue outbreak
Over 2,000 local cases reported in one week, making a total of more than 10,000 cases of dengue fever reported this year in Taiwan. Tainan City, on the south-west coast of Taiwan, is the hot spot with 9,463 confirmed cases – being approx. 90% of the countries total. 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.
Cryptosporidium, diarrheal disease, cases spike
United Kingdom health scientists have reported an ongoing nationwide increase in cases of cryptosporidiosis, with 2,411 laboratory confirmed cases from mid-August to early October. Read more
Advice for travellers
Outbreaks of ‘Crypto’ in holiday resorts are well documented – mainly the result of swimming in swimming pools and water parks harbouring the parasite. While the parasite can be spread in several ways, swallowing contaminated drinking or recreational water is the most common. Cryptosporidium is a leading cause of water-borne disease in most developed countries, including Australia. Read more from heathdirect.
Hand, foot and mouth disease update
More than 80,000 hand, foot and mouth disease cases have been reported for 2023 with 21 deaths which is an increase of 68.6% this year. Read more
Advice for travellers
Parents of young children should be aware of that seasonal epidemics of HFMD occur throughout Asia. The virus mainly affects young children and symptoms include fever, oral lesions, and rash on the hands, feet and buttocks. There is no vaccine or preventative medication, but good hand hygiene will greatly reduce the risk of infection. Read more on HFMD.