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 19th of January 2024
Argentina's Western equine encephalitis cases rise
In Argentina the WEE virus has had 91 suspected cases reported, 21 confirmed and requiring hospitalisation and one case causing death. Read more
Advice for travellers
Western equine encephalitis is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the western equine encephalitis virus, a member of the Togaviridae family of viruses. Most of the infections are subclinical, presenting as fever, chills, malaise, and myalgias, but some can progress to an acute inflammation of the meninges and brain parenchyma. This activity describes the evaluation and treatment of western equine encephalitis and reviews the role of the interprofessional team in managing patients with this condition. Find out more about WEE
Warning - Meningococcal B case confirmed in Victoria
A young man complaining of a sore throat, progressed to vomiting and severe headaches. Within 2 days he was hospitalised and placed in a coma, diagnosed with Meningococcal B, bacterial disease. 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 planning to travel to any region experiencing an outbreak, discuss whether vaccination against meningococcal meningitis would be appropriate for your itinerary with your doctor. Read more about Men. meningitis.
Brazilian city begins vaccination against dengue
The city of Dourados in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul has began the country's first mass vaccination against dengue – called QDENGA vaccine (from Japan). The goal is to administer the vaccine to 150,000 residents from age 4 to 59, with the vaccination schedule requiring a second dose three months after the first. 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.
The QDENGA vaccine is not recommended for travellers - Read about QDENGA vaccine.
Mycoplasma pneumonia rise in children
Cases of a bacterial infection that predominantly affects children have been increasing across Australia, which is also being reported on the increase globally. Cases are being reported in affected children in China, Taiwan, Philippines, South Korea, North America and Europe. Read more
Advice for travellers
Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria commonly cause mild infections of the respiratory system (the parts of the body involved in breathing). Sometimes these bacteria can cause more serious lung infections that require care in a hospital. Like many respiratory germs, Mycoplasma pneumoniae most commonly spread from coughing and sneezing. Good hygiene is important to help decrease the spread of M. pneumoniae and other respiratory germs.
More vaccine-derived polio cases
Indonesia's health ministry reported two more cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) cases, raising its total since October 2022 to six. In Africa - Guinea, Mozambique, Manica and Nigeria also reported new cases of vaccine derived polio virus. 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 warning as cases soar
Health authorities are concerned over the significant increase in measles over the last two years with current case figures from the UK health security agency (UKHSA) confirming 198 cases of measles in the West Midlands, with 104 more likely cases, 80% of the cases are in Birmingham. 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. More on vaccination for measles.
Measles cases now in several other states
Measles outbreaks have been confirmed by health agencies in Pennsylvania – 8 cases, and Washington – 6 cases. Also suspected cases in New Jersey, Virginia and Delaware.
The CDC advises that since the United States has a high measles vaccination rate, most measles cases are coming in from international travellers. 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.