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 31st of January 2024
Warning - flesh-eating Buruli ulcer cases rise in Victoria
A skin disease spread by mosquitos - Health authorities are warning visitors and residents to coastal areas in Victoria to be diligent with mosquito protection. The ulcers are caused by a bacteria spread by mosquitos and can result in significant skin damage which can include painful lumps, limb swelling and severe pain. There were 363 confirmed Buruli ulcers in Victoria in 2023.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
Avian flu case
Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection has reported that a 59-year-old woman from Sichuan province, China, is in a critical condition in hospital with the H5N6 avian flu. The woman developed the symptoms late November and admitted to hospital four days later. An investigation has revealed she had visited a live-poultry market before the onset of her symptoms. Another case reported in December has died from the disease who had also visited a live-poultry market before developing the disease. Read more
Advice for travellers
While bird flu is often fatal in humans, there has been no sustained person-to-person transmission. Infection occurs after contact with the saliva, mucous or faeces of infected birds or surfaces contaminated with them, which makes the disease a low risk for most travellers. Australians travelling to a region where the disease is present or an outbreak is occurring should avoid contact with birds or poultry in marketplaces, wash their hands before and after preparing food, and observe strict personal hygiene. Read more on bird flu and how to avoid it.
Mass immunisation drive after 11 more polio cases.
Health authorities in Indonesia are conducting a widespread immunization campaign in response to 11 new cases of polio in East Java. Health officials have declared this an "extraordinary event" on Madura, an island in East Java as Indonesia was declared free of polio a decade ago. Read more
Advice for travellers
Poliomyelitis is a potentially serious viral illness that is spread through contact with infected faeces or saliva. The risk to travellers is generally low, however vaccination is recommended for travel to affected regions and is a requirement for travel to/from some countries. If at risk, adults should have a booster to the childhood series. More on polio.
Measles cases expanding rapidly in Europe with Kazakhstan the worst affected
The World Health Organisation (WHO) European office has issued a warning of the continuing rise in measles cases affecting large numbers of children who missed vaccination due to COVID. Cases in 2023 were reported as being 30 times higher than in 2022. Kazakhstan has more than 2,100 children currently hospitalised with measles, 27 cases are in a serious condition. 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.
Rapid rise in dengue mosquitoes
The National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) have warned the mosquitoes in Sri Lanka that transmit the dengue virus have increased by 29.5 percent, with 6,689 cases of dengue being reported in the first 18 days of 2024, including one death. 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.
Measles alerts – exposure concerns at 2 international airports
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have alerted healthcare providers to be alert for patients who have travelled recently overseas and have fever and rashes. Health officials are actively contacting potentially affected passengers on specific flights with confirmed cases who travelled through Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. 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.
Norovirus virus outbreak on Florida cruise
Details have surfaced about a norovirus outbreak on the Celebrity Cruise line departing from Tampa in Florida that docked on Friday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 92 out of the 2,056 passengers, and 8 crew members experienced symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. Read more
Advice for travellers
Extremely contagious, norovirus is spreading in many northern hemisphere countries. Infection is typically intense but generally short-lived, causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which may lead to more serious complications among young children, the elderly, and the sick. To minimise the risk, wash your hands after using the toilet and before eating, and practice good hygiene. Read more on norovirus.