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 2nd of January 2024
Rare case of human Western equine encephalitis infection
The WHO has reported a rare human case of Western equine encephalitis (WEE) in Argentine. This is the first case in more than two decades. This case is following a recent alert from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) of the detection of WEE in horses in several Argentina and Uruguay locations posing a potential threat to humans. 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
Nipah virus deaths
Bangladesh has reported its highest Nipah virus deaths in 7 years with 14 Nipah virus cases in 2023, 10 of them being fatal. People are typically exposed to the virus through direct contact with infected animals, drinking contaminated palm sap, or eating contaminated fruit. The virus can also spread from person to person. The natural reservoir is fruit bats. Read more
Advice for travellers
Fruit bats (flying foxes) are the natural hosts of Nipah virus, and females shed the virus when pregnant or lactating. The fruit-eating bats perch on the jars used for collecting juice from palm or date trees, contaminating the juice with infected saliva and droppings. People are infected when they drink the raw juice, although it is also spread through person-to-person contact. In Bangladesh, Nipah generally occurs between December and April.
The WHO prequalifies a second malaria vaccine
The World Health Organisation have pre-qualified a second malaria vaccine which is an important breakthrough in the prevention of the disease. The prequalification means larger access to vaccines to prevent malaria in children through UNICEF. Along with other malaria control methods, the vaccines are expected to have a high public health impact. In the African Region, nearly half a million children die from malaria each year. In 2022 globally it is estimated there were 249 million malaria cases and 608 000 malaria deaths across 85 countries. 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.
Dengue rise is significant worldwide- 2023 roundup
The WHO have stated that dengue fever is posing significant world public health challenges with a tenfold rise between 2000 and 2019, then the new surge post COVID has cases reaching a near record high number. In five WHO regions estimates are - greater than 5 million cases, more than 5,000 deaths, across more than 80 countries. 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.
Measles threat continues as another year passes with millions of children unvaccinated – 2023 roundup
Measles continues a relentlessly increasing threat to children. Of the countries experiencing outbreaks from 2020, 28 were in the WHO Region for Africa, six in the Eastern Mediterranean, two in Southeast Asia, and one in the European Region. 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.
Polio cases reported
Indonesia and Mauritiana have both reported new cases of vaccine derived polio this week as reported by the weekly update from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). Indonesia's – the patient is from the province of Central Java, on the island of Java. 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.
Covid-19 jump in cases
Cities in Southeast Asia are requesting a return to wearing masks and using scanners as a COVID-19 wave is seeing cases rise rapidly in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. The JN. 1 variant is the most prevalent. 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