Shifting disease patterns and outbreaks affect the recommendations and information we provide to travellers during a pre-travel consultation. Each week Travelvax updates the current travel health alerts to reflect those issues which could affect travellers heading to a particular region or country. We do this by scanning the websites of health agencies such as the World Health Organization and the European and US Centers for Disease Control, as well as international news media. Simply click on the point on the map of your area of interest for more details on the current health alert. We also include Advice for Travellers which gives background information and tips. If you have any further questions, of course you can give our Travelvax infoline a call during business hours on 1300 360 164.
World travel health alerts for 2nd of April 2024
Q fever cases
A Gympie MP and Queensland shadow minister for agriculture is sharing his story to prompt residents to consider Q fever vaccination. Healthy one day then unable to get out of bed the next – the disease hit overnight. He stated for a long time following, the symptoms returned whenever he was tired or run down. Read more
Advice for travellers
This bacterial infection is contracted from infected animals or through inhaling dust contaminated with their body fluids. Around half of infections are asymptomatic, but it can cause a flu-like illness with symptoms including fever, fatigue and muscle pain which appear up to 2 to 3 weeks following infection. The disease may progress to become severe with complications such as pneumonia and hepatitis, or it may become a chronic infection with secondary effects. Vaccination is recommended for certain high risk groups and pre-vaccination screening is required. Read more
Shortage of measles vaccines with rise in cases
Health Officials have warned with a rise in measles cases causing increased vaccine demands, there is a vaccine supply shortage. Remaining doses are being reserved for public immunisation programs and cannot supply the private market. Read more
Advice for travellers
Measles occurs in developing and developed countries and unvaccinated travellers are at particular risk, both in transit and during their stay. While generally benign, infection can result in severe illness or death. Travelvax Australia recommends travellers check their immunisation status for measles and other childhood diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis) and mumps at least 6 weeks before departure. Read more about measles.
First case of tick-borne encephalitis confirmed this year
Tick season has started in Estonia with the Department of Health warning the cases of tick-borne encephalitis has almost tripled in the last three years. 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 safe and effective vaccines are available in Europe, none are licensed in Australia; however the vaccine can be obtained by a medical practitioner through a Special Access Scheme. Read more about TBE.
First measles cases arrived
The Ministry of Health has confirmed the arrival of an imported case of measles in a four-year-old child travelling from London to Mexico City in March. The child had been vaccinated – a small number of people do not gain immunity from the vaccine. Read more
Advice for travellers
Measles occurs in developing and developed countries and unvaccinated travellers are at particular risk, both in transit and during their stay. While generally benign, infection can result in severe illness or death. Travelvax Australia recommends travellers check their immunisation status for measles and other childhood diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis) and mumps at least 6 weeks before departure. Read more about measles.
Pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak
The health department has reported over 1,400 cases of whooping cough infections for 2024 with babies deaths. Alertshave been released to urge people with cough and cold symptoms to avoid contact with babies and pregnant women. Approx 85 percent of cases had no protection from vaccination. Read more
Advice for travellers
Travelvax Australia recommends that all travellers ensure they are current for whooping cough (pertussis) and all childhood vaccinations, including, diphtheria, measles, chickenpox and tetanus for travel to any destination – be it a developed or developing country. Read more about pertussis.
Measles outbreak
Measles has been confirmed in several health districts of Togo for 2024, particularly in the districts of Kéran and Oti-Sud which have just entered an epidemic. The Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene is taking measures to manage the outbreak with early warning surveillance, community education on prevention measures and urging residents to vaccinate. 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.
WHO alert the urgency for measles vaccinations catch up's
World Health Organisation (WHO) have alerted that it’s critical to vaccinate children who have missed their measles schedule during COVID-19. Outbreaks of measles continue to increase worldwide with more than 50 countries experiencing large, disruptive outbreaks since 2023. Read more
Advice for travellers
Measles occurs in developing and developed countries and unvaccinated travellers are at particular risk, both in transit and during their stay. In general the infection is relatively benign, but complications can result in severe illness or death. Travelvax Australia recommends travellers check their immunisation status for measles and other childhood diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis) and mumps at least 6 weeks before departure. Read more about measles.
Chicago measles outbreak spreads to Illinois
Authorities have confirmed cases of measles in Illinois they are able to connect to the Chicago infections. The Health Department is notifying any known connections. Chicago had almost 20 cases, most traced to a migrant shelter. Read more
Advice for travellers
Measles occurs in developing and developed countries and unvaccinated travellers are at particular risk, both in transit and during their stay. While generally benign, infection can result in severe illness or death. Travelvax Australia recommends travellers check their immunisation status for measles and other childhood diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis) and mumps at least 6 weeks before departure. Read more about measles.
Meningococcal disease cases rise
The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) in Uruguay has alerted of an unusual increase in cases of meningococcal disease, mainly affecting children under five years of age and over 15. No epidemiological link can be determined between the patients. Read more
Advice for travellers
Meningococcal meningitis is an acute bacterial disease transmitted from person-to-person through close (kissing, sharing eating utensils) or extended contact. Risk factors include extensive travel in crowded conditions or extended contact with local people in crowded places. If you plan to visit this region, call Travelvax Australia’s free travel health advisory service (1300 360 164 - toll-free for landlines) for further advice. Read more about Meningitis.