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 20th of February 2024
Nipah virus cases reported
Local officials in Bangladesh have reported two men have died from Nipah virus infections after consumeing raw date juice, which is a risk factor for contracting Nipah disease. Nipah virus cases in Bangladesh follow a seasonal pattern, from December through to May. Read more
Advice for travellers
Avoid drinking unprocessed palm juice. Fruit bats (flying foxes) are the natural hosts of Nipah virus, and females shed the virus when pregnant or lactating. The bats perch on the jars used for collecting juice from palm or date trees, leaving contaminated saliva and droppings in the jars. People are infected when they drink the raw juice, although it is also spread through person-to-person contact. Nipah generally occurs between December and April. Read more about Nipah virus.
Hepaitis E spike
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have reported 520 Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections across 10 countries, with no connection yet established between the cases. Increase have been reported in Finland, Belgium and the Czech Republic with the suspected sources possibly meat products. Read more
Advice for travellers
Hepatitis E is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Although rare in developed countries, hepatitis E is widespread in the developing world. In the vast majority of people, HEV infection results in a self-limited, acute illness. However, acute infection can become chronic in rare cases, primarily in people who have received solid-organ transplants.
Rise in Oropouche fever cases
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) are alerting residents and travellers of an increase in Oropouche fever cases in some parts of the Americas region. Oropouche fever is spread by mosquitos and has similar symptoms to dengue fever and outbreaks can occur in both rural and urban settings. Countries reporting cases include Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, Panama, and Trinidad and Tobago. Read more
Advice for travellers
Oropouche virus is part of the orthobunyavirus family, with an incubation period of 4 to 8 days. Similar to dengue, symptom onset is sudden and typically includes fever, headache, musculoskeletal pain, chills, and sometimes, nausea. Some patients experience aseptic meningitis. Most patients recover in about a week, but for some, symptoms linger for weeks.
It is mainly spread by a species of biting midge called Culicoides paraensis but can also be transmitted by certain Culex mosquitoes. Read more
H5N1 avian flu cases reported
The Cambodia health ministry reported 2 cases of avian flu in January, and have now reported a 3rd case involving a 9-year-old, who has died from the infection. All cases are from different provinces. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that while the risk to the general population remains low, sporadic human infections will likely continue in rural Cambodia and other areas where the virus still circulates in poultry. Read more
Advice for travellers
There are several strains of bird flu and while the virus can be fatal, infection generally poses a low risk for travellers – even for those heading to a region where the disease is present or an outbreak is occurring. Travellers should avoid contact with birds or poultry in marketplaces, wash hands thoroughly before and after preparing food, and observe strict personal hygiene. Read more on bird flu and how to avoid it.
Triple threat with surge in mosquito diseases
Timor-Leste is battling triple outbreaks of dengue, zika and chikungunya mosquito diseases. This is the first ever recorded chikungunya outbreak in the country. Reports of the mosquito population spiralling out of control due to extended wet and warm weather, providing the perfect conditions for mosquito breeding. Read more
Advice for travellers
The symptoms of chikungunya fever are similar to dengue fever and both are transmitted by the same mosquitoes – the day-time feeding Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Acute joint pain with a rash is typical of chikungunya and while fatal cases are rare, painful joints may persist for weeks or months after the acute phase has ended. There is no approved vaccine or prevention medication; using an effective, tropical-strength repellent to avoid insect bites is the best form of protection. Read more about chikungunya.
Whooping cough (pertussis) surge
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported receiving 319 notifications of suspected cases of pertussis (whooping cough) in the past week with the total of cases this year now 979, 20 times higher than the same time last year. 1 in 5 cases have been diagnosed in Wales, more than any other region in England. Read more
Advice for travellers
Travelvax Australia recommends that all travellers ensure they are current for whooping cough (pertussis) and all childhood vaccinations, including, diphtheria, measles, chickenpox and tetanus for travel to any destination – be it a developed or developing country. Read more about pertussis.
Flu continues to rise and COVID cases decline
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported Influenza B as rising in regional areas and respiratory virus infections are remaining high across the United States, while COVID case reports show a decline. Read more
Advice for travellers
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.
Cholera outbreak spiralling into health crisis
The director of Oxfam in Southern Africa is reporting Zambia and Zimbabwe are both struggling to contain the cholera crisis, exacerbated by lack of access to clean water and sanitation. Zambia has reported ~8,000 cases and ~600 deaths in what is the countries worst outbreak on record, with children the worst affected. Zimbabwe has reported ~22,000 cases and 450+ deaths. 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.