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 7th of February 2024
AMERICAS - Measles alert
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has released an epidemiologic alert regarding measles, cautioning about persistent issues related to insufficient vaccine coverage, a worldwide surge in cases, and recent notifications of imported cases in countries within the Americas region which are Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica and Peru. 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.
Over 1,000 Dengue cases already reported this year
Costa Rica is still contending with a dengue fever outbreak, with both classic and haemorrhagic cases. The Costa Rica Health Ministry has had 1,076 cases reported so far his year. Read more
Advice for travellers
Avoid mosquito bites to protect against dengue fever. To avoid biting insects, apply repellent containing an active ingredient, such as DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD) to all exposed skin when outdoors. 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 outdoors. Travellers should also cover up with long-sleeved tops, long pants, and shoes and socks when mosquitoes are most active.
112,000 Malaria Vaccines Arrived in Liberia
The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Liberia today has begun their malaria vaccination program with 112,000 doses of Mosquirix™ (RTS,S) malaria vaccine. The vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective, reducing severe malaria by 30% and malaria deaths by 13%. Liberia's fight against this preventable mosquito-borne disease may save thousands of children's lives. Read more
Advice for travellers
Malaria is endemic in many areas of southern Africa. Travelvax recommends that travellers visiting this region discuss their itinerary and preventative medication at their nearest Travelvax clinic, or with their healthcare provider. For advice, call Travelvax on 1300 360 164. More on malaria.
Rise in Meningococcal cases - call for free vaccines
Kiwis are being advised to stay vigilant for meningococcal symptoms following a rise in cases and a death in Wellington. There has been a reported 88 percent increase in meningococcal cases among teenagers and young adults in New Zealand over the past year with the surge prompting increased demands for making vaccines free and more accessible. 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, extended contact with local people in crowded places and travel to North Africa’s ‘meningitis belt’ where meningitis outbreaks occur in the dry season (Dec-April) and just prior to the rainy season (May-June). Read more about meningitis.
Hepatitis E outbreak
In response to a deadly hepatitis E outbreak in South Sudan, MSF has launched a vaccination campaign in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to provide protection to women and girls, who are at greatest risk of death from the disease. Read more
Advice for travellers
Hepatitis E is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Although rare in developed countries, hepatitis E is widespread in the developing world. In the vast majority of people, HEV infection results in a self-limited, acute illness. However, acute infection can become chronic in rare cases, primarily in people who have received solid-organ transplants. Read more on Hepatitis E
Suspected swine flu case
A possible case of human infection with swine influenza A(H1N1) variant has been reported in Spain. Spanish authorities stated the case is an adult male employed on a pig farm in the Catalonia region. No evidence of human-to-human transmission is suspected at this point. Read more
Advice for travellers
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu viruses do not usually infect humans, but rare human infections have occurred. (For more information about swine influenza infections in humans, see Variant Influenza Viruses in Humans).
UK officials warn of further measles outbreaks
UK health officials have warned that outbreaks of measles in the West Midlands could spread to other towns and cities unless urgent steps are taken to boost MMR vaccine uptake. In a statement from the Health Security Agency - 216 cases have been confirmed with another 103 probable cases reported since October 2023. Most cases are in Birmingham and predominantly in children younger than 10. 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.
Measles Case in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) has confirmed one case of measles in a resident who travelled through Los Angeles International (LAX) airport while infectious all passengers who may have come in contact with the passenger will be notified by the local Departments of Health. 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.
Ongoing cholera outbreak
The national disaster management agency has been mobilised in Zambia to contend with the ongoing cholera outbreak. The Health Ministry says cholera has been detected in nearly half of the country's districts and nine out of 10 provinces. Zambia has been recording more than 400 cases a day, with over 10,000 cases reported since October. Read more
Advice for travellers
Cholera is usually spread in contaminated water. For most short-stay travellers, the risk of infection is low. Australians travelling to regions where a cholera outbreak is occurring should adhere to strict personal hygiene guidelines and choose food and beverages with care. For those at higher risk, an oral cholera vaccine is available. Read more about cholera.