Travel Health Alerts

Officials search for the source of Shigella infections

Belgian authorities have temporarily closed an events venue linked to more than 50 Shigella infections acquired over two weekends, with more cases expected. The source of contamination may be either an infected person or a contaminated food or object at the venue. Read more

Advice for travellers

Caused by Shigella bacteria, shigellosis can result in diarrhoea, fever, and stomach cramps starting a day or two after exposure via the faecal-oral route, including through contaminated food or sexual contact. Persons with mild infections usually recover quickly, but antibiotic treatment is recommended for patients with more severe symptoms. Read more

Early commencement of respiratory virus season

Based on what has been reported and observed in 5 South American countries this year, the Pan American Health Authorities (PAHO) are warning to prepare for the possibility of an early onset of the respiratory virus season in the Northern Hemisphere.
The countries of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay have had declared public emergencies due to a large spike in Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV hospitalisations, especially in younger children. Read more

Advice for travellers

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalisation. Read more

First documented ZIKA virus infection

A woman returning to France after a four week stay in Comoros developed the symptoms consistent with an arboviral disease (fever, fatigue, frontotemporal headaches, conjunctivitis, myalgia, and arthralgia predominating in the wrists). Serology revealed positive for ZIKV (Zika virus), although the WHO consider this island high risk for zika virus, this is believed to be the first documented case in Comoros islands. 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.  

Cases of West Nile Virus reported across Europe

75 human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) infection have been reported across Europe with nine deaths related to the WNV infection. The reported cases were from Italy (34), Greece (12), Romania (11), Croatia (6), France (5), Spain (4), Hungary (2) and Germany (1). Read more

Advice for travellers

Most human WNV infections (70-80%) are mild, subclinical or asymptomatic, but around 1-in-150 cases involve potentially severe neuroinvasive disease.  The virus is transmitted by Culex mosquitoes, which feed mainly around dawn and dusk. While the risk of infection for most travellers is generally low, those visiting regions reporting human cases, particularly the peak transmission season, should take measures to avoid mosquito bites. Read more on WNV.

Suspected triple outbreak of typhoid fever, shigellosis and cholera

The city of Dolisie has 2178 suspected cases (91.2% of all cases) and 33 deaths (CFR 1.5%) reported for all three infectious diseases combined. Read more

Advice for travellers

Typhoid fever is endemic in many developing regions, although it generally presents a low risk for short-stay travellers staying in western-style accommodation. Vaccination is itinerary specific, but is usually recommended for those staying or travelling extensively in rural areas, as well as for adventurous eaters and for travel to areas reporting drug-resistant typhoid. All travellers visiting endemic areas should follow safe food and water guidelines, and adopt strict personal hygiene practices. Read more about typhoid fever.

Caused by Shigella bacteria, shigellosis can result in diarrhoea, fever, and stomach cramps starting a day or two after exposure via the faecal-oral route, including through contaminated food or sexual contact. Persons with mild infections usually recover quickly, but antibiotic treatment is recommended for patients with more severe symptoms. Read more

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.

Hepatitis A outbreak now linked to frozen berries

A hepatitis A outbreak that has infected approximately 60 people in Germany over the past two years has now been linked to frozen berries. The distribution of the illness and lack of travel history in the patients, led to the suspicion that the transmission was through contaminated food. Based on patient reports the belief is that the cases could be related to eating contaminated frozen strawberries. Because of the long shelf life and high stability of Hep A Virus (HAV), frozen products can still lead to illnesses months after purchase by the consumer. Read more

Advice for travellers

Hepatitis A (HAV) is a vaccine-preventable viral disease passed on to humans primarily through oral contact with faeces of an infected person. This can occur through consuming contaminated food and water, by handling everyday items and through some types of sexual contact. It is a significant risk in travellers to developing countries where sanitation and hygiene are lacking. A course of hepatitis A vaccine offers immunity that is highly effective and offers long term protection.

Diphtheria outbreaks

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued Travel Health Notices for Diphtheria outbreaks in northern Vietnam and in several provinces in the Republics of Guinea and Nigeria in Africa. There was a reported total of 5,898 Diphtheria cases were reported from Local Government Areas in eleven Nigerian states during July and August.  Read more

Advice for travellers

Spread by coughing and sneezing or by direct contact with wounds or items soiled by infected persons, diphtheria is one of the infectious diseases prevented through routine childhood vaccination. It is also a component in the vaccine given to pregnant women for the prevention of pertussis. Read more on diphtheria.

Declared dengue fever outbreak

The Jamaican health ministry has reported 565 suspected, presumed and confirmed cases of dengue. The dominant strain is Dengue type 2, which has not been predominant in Jamaica since 2010. The majority of the cases are in Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine and St Thomas. 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.

Cryptosporidium outbreak in Queenstown

A boil water notice for properties serviced by the Queenstown Council water supply is in place following confirmed cases of parasitic cryptosporidium gastric illness. While the source is not yet known, and there is no confirmed link to the local water supply, a precautionary boil water notice is in place. The council is working with the Health Services to establish the infection source. Read more

Advice for travellers

Outbreaks of ‘Crypto’ in holiday resorts are well documented – mainly the result of swimming in swimming pools and water parks harbouring the parasite. While the parasite can be spread in several ways, swallowing contaminated drinking or recreational water is the most common. Cryptosporidium is a leading cause of water-borne disease in most developed countries, including Australia. Read more from heathdirect.

New Hampshire reports of Mosquito and Tic borne virus Infections

After testing 14 groups of mosquitos around the state tested were positive for Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV) New Hampshire has reported the first human case of infection. 8 cases of Powassan Virus (POWV) have also been reported. Read more

Advice for travellers

James canyon virus (JCV) is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito and symptoms of infection may include flu-like illness, fever, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue however JCV can progress to more serious central nervous system diseases, including meningitis or encephalitis. Read more on JCV

Powassan Virus (POWV) is transmitted through the bite of the blacklegged tick. An infected tick only needs to be attached to a person for 15 minutes to transmit POWV. Early symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue. More serious central nervous system disease, including meningitis or encephalitis can occur. Read more on POWV