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 15th of January 2024
Warning of increase in mosquito diseases
Recent wet weather conditions in many parts of Australia have created the perfect breeding environment for mosquitos. Victoria, NSW, Queensland and South Australia have been hit with heavy rains and some areas flooding. Residents should look at reducing pooling water which creates breeding sites for the mosquitos. Mosquito-borne diseases in Australia include Ross River virus, Murray Valley encephalitis and Japanese encephalitis, with dengue virus also a concern in far north Queensland. Read more
Advice for travellers
Travellers visiting areas of Australia affected by recent flooding or continuing rain should take measures to prevent mosquito bites. Use a personal effective insect effective ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus when outdoors and wear long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing – especially at dawn and dusk, the times of day when mosquitos are most active.
Zika outbreaks moving into Central America
Zika virus, a mosquito-borne disease, has been confirmed in 89 countries worldwide with increases in confirmed Zika cases in Central America. Cases confirmed are in Belize – 281, Guatemala – 112, El Salvador – 110, Mexico – 29. Zika virus is of high concern for pregnant women living and travelling in outbreak areas. Read more
Advice for travellers
Epidemic of the Zika, chikungunya and dengue viruses continue in the Americas and Caribbean. Generally milder than dengue and chikungunya, Zika’s symptoms last 4-7 days and include a rash, pain in the joints, and the eye condition, conjunctivitis. With the apparent exception of pregnant women, long-term ill-effects are rare, although joint pain may linger for weeks – even months. Like dengue and Chikungunya, Zika is spread by Aedes mosquitoes which bite aggressively by day and are found in urban setting, including leafy gardens and outdoor restaurants. Travellers should take particular care to avoid being bitten just after sunrise and just before sunset, the mosquitoes’ main feeding time.
Malaria vaccine for local children
The Cameroon minister of public health has announced they have received 331,200 doses of malaria vaccine and will start the vaccination program on Jan. 22. The goal is to reduce the morbidity and mortality rates associated with the disease and will be offered free to children across 42 health districts.
According to the Ministry of Public Health, malaria is responsible for 70 percent of deaths among children in Cameroon. Read more
Advice for travellers
Travellers visiting malarious regions should discuss their itinerary and the possible need for anti-malaria medication during a pre-travel medical consultation. Read more about malaria.
Yellow fever outbreak
South Sudan's health ministry recently reported a yellow fever outbreak, with one case confirmed so far. The patient is from Yambio County in Western Equatoria. Read more
Advice for travellers
Yellow fever virus is a mosquito-borne disease found in tropical and subtropical areas in Central/South America and Africa. While it can be severe, yellow fever infection is a very rare in Australian travellers. However, under the International Health Regulations (IHR), proof of vaccination may be required of any traveller entering or leaving an area at risk of yellow fever transmission. Read more about yellow fever.
Masks mandatory again in health centres
The Spanish Health Minister has made wearing masks mandatory in all healthcare centres as the country faces a spike of flu and COVID-19 infections. Masks are also recommended to be worn in other health related facilities such as chemists and dentists. Read more
Advice for travellers
COVID-19: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. These particles range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols. It is important to practice respiratory etiquette, for example by coughing into a flexed elbow, and to stay home and self-isolate until you recover if you feel unwell. Read more on COVID-19
INFLUENZA: 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.
Flu and COVID levels climb higher
Health officials have reported doctors’ visits and hospitalisations for flu and COVID continue to rise across most of the country. Read more
Advice for travellers
INFLUENZA: 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.
COVID-19: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. These particles range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols. It is important to practice respiratory etiquette, for example by coughing into a flexed elbow, and to stay home and self-isolate until you recover if you feel unwell. Read more on COVID-19
Philadelphia measles cluster
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) has been investigating a measles cluster involving unvaccinated residents, with 5 confirmed cases, 3 hospitalised and 2 further suspected cases. Officials said the suspected cases were exposed to measles after one of the confirmed cases attended day-care. 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.
Zambian President urges people to move from cities to villages
The Zambian President is urging people to move from bigger towns to smaller villages in the wake of over 300 deaths in the current cholera outbreak. Poor sanitation in high density areas is the concern for spreading the disease. More than 7,500 cases of cholera have been reported since October, with more than 500 new cases and 17 deaths recorded last week. 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.