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 8th of January 2024
South Australians are being urged not to touch bats, report bites
Five cases of Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) a "rabies-like disease" have been detected this week in South Australia. The alert from SA Health advises the Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV) can be transmitted to humans who are bitten, scratched or come into contact with saliva from an infected bat. The disease can result in death if treatment is delayed. Read more
Advice for travellers
Australian bat lyssavirus infection is a rare but highly fatal disease that affects the central nervous system.
Australian bat lyssavirus is related to the rabies virus and is spread to people from infected bats.
People should not attempt to handle bats unless appropriately trained and vaccinated.
Vaccination is recommended for people with an increased risk of contact with bats and if exposed to a potentially infected bat, wash the wound and seek medical care urgently. Treatment with vaccine and immunoglobulin may be recommended. Read more on LYSSAVIRUS
New COVID wave sweeping across Queensland
Hospitalisation admissions have quadrupled over the past month, and hospital workers advised to wear masks, due to a significant spike in respiratory illness cases in Queensland with a surge being COVID positive patients. Read more
Advice for travellers
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
Link to rare tropical disease – melioidosis, in a Mississippi county
The first known cases of environmental transmission of melioidosis have been documented in the United States. Over a 3-year period, three men in Mississippi were infected with a newly identified strain of the bacterium that causes melioidosis after contact with contaminated water and soil. Read more
Advice for travellers
Melioidosis, also called Whitmore’s disease, is an infectious disease that can infect humans or animals. The disease is caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei or B. pseudomallei, which is found in contaminated soil and water. It is spread to humans and animals through direct contact with the contaminated source.
Melioidosis is predominately a disease of tropical climates, especially in Southeast Asia and northern Australia where it is widespread.
Melioidosis is rare in healthy adults and children. Most people exposed to the bacteria do not get sick.
People with long-term health problems such as diabetes, cancer, lung and kidney disease, and people who drink alcohol heavily are most at risk of getting sick, first Nations peoples are also at higher risk.
People who become unwell often get a lung infection ('pneumonia'). If not treated quickly, the infection can spread to other areas of the body causing severe illness including sepsis (‘blood poisoning’) and sometimes death. Melioidosis can also cause skin sores. Read more
Sexually transmitted infections rising in Europe
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) data is showing a sharp rise in sexually transmitted infections from 2017 to 2023, apart from a dip during the COVID pandemic. Read more
Advice for travellers
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are spread predominantly by unprotected sexual contact. Some STIs can also be transmitted during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding and through infected blood or blood products. STIs have a profound impact on health. If untreated, they can lead to serious consequences including neurological and cardiovascular disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirths, and increased risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and quality of life.
Condoms used correctly and consistently are effective methods to protect against STIs and HIV. Screening with early diagnosis of people with STIs and their sexual partners offers the best opportunity for effective treatment and for preventing complications and further transmission. Read more
Dengue cases spike - alert across South America
The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has issued dengue alerts following a record 4.1 million cases have been reported in 2023. Brazil recorded the highest cases - 2.9 million, followed by Peru and Mexico. Many other countries in South America also reporting an increase in cases. Read more
Advice for travellers
Dengue is spread by Aedes mosquitoes which breed in shady areas close homes and other accommodation. They bite mainly during the daylight hours, making them difficult to avoid outdoors. 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 oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD) when outdoors to all exposed skin. Read more about dengue fever and preventing insect bites.
Costa Rica malaria outbreak continues
Travellers heading to Costa Rica may not be protected against malaria. There have been 544 confirmed cases reported by end of December 2023. Read more
Advice for travellers
Malaria is transmitted by mosquitos. 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.
Alert risk of Zika infection for women pregnant or planning pregnancy when visiting Thailand
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) have stated that transmission of the Zika virus is a current health risk in Thailand. Thailand's Bureau of Epidemiology has reported that cases are much higher than in the previous 3 years - there have been 742 Zika confirmed cases recorded in 2023, with the more recent cases reported, 160 were infected in Bangkok. Read more
Advice for travellers
Zika’s symptoms include a rash, pain in the joints, and the eye condition, conjunctivitis lasting 4-7 days. Long-term ill-effects are rare, although the joint pain may linger for weeks, even months. Like dengue and chikungunya, Zika is spread by Aedes mosquitoes which bite by day and are found in urban setting, including leafy gardens and outdoor restaurants – even in upmarket hotels and resorts. Transmission of Zika virus has also occurred during pregnancy, breastfeeding, sexually and also through blood or blood products. Travellers should take particular care to avoid being bitten just after sunrise and just before sunset, the main feeding time for Aedes mosquitoes. All travellers, but particularly pregnant women or those planning pregnancy, should seek medical advice before travel to Zika-affected areas. Read more about Zika virus through healthdirect.
Alarming rise in recorded cases of cholera
Oxfam has warned that Cholera cases are surging in Yemen, with 1,336 suspected cases and 11 associated deaths recorded in the south of the country, however cases may actually be higher due to the lack of reporting. 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.