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 13th of February 2024
Queensland’s Covid wave continues and flu cases skyrocket across the state
Viruses spreading across the state of Queensland have been intensified by the return to school and work after the summer holidays. The current COVID wave began in October with subvariant JN.1 the dominant strain
and Queensland Health report 2346 flu cases were recorded in January. 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
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.
Ross river fever alert in Queensland
Health authorities are warning of a surge in Ross river cases over the coming weeks, after concerns of high levels of Ross river virus detected in mosquitos across the state. 64 cases have been reported in Queensland this year. Read more
Advice for travellers
Cases of Ross River virus occur throughout Australia, including more temperate southern states. 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 RRV-carrying insects are most active. See more on insect bite prevention here.
Dengue outbreak - Rio De Janeiro declares health emergency
Brazil has declared a health emergency as the country struggles with a massive dengue fever outbreak just before the Rio de Janeiro Carnival. Many areas of the country are dealing with the dengue fever mosquito disease, with outbreaks also reported in the states of Acre, Minas, Gerais, and Goias. 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.
Six African nations report more polio cases
Chad, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mozambique, Nigeria, and South Sudan have reported new polio cases. All cases were involved in vaccine-derived poliovirus. 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.
Swiss Zurich hospitality school closes after measles outbreak
Switzerland's famed Zurich hospitality management school, Ecole Hotelier de Lausanne (EHL), has had to close for 2 weeks after cases of measles were discovered among students. The number of cases was not revealed, but the university stated those affected were currently isolated and receiving medical 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.
Syphilis continues steep rise
The United States has reported an alarming steady rise in syphilis infections, from the latest yearly data update on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) report. The report also highlighted the first drop in cases of gonnorhea in more than a decade. Read more
Advice for travellers
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacterium that enters through wounded skin or mucous membranes. You can get syphilis by direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Infections can cause long-term complications if not treated correctly with an effective antibiotic. Read more about syphilis and other STIs.
Alaska reports fatal Alaskapox case
Epidemiologists from the Alaska Department of Health have documented a fatality from infection with Alaskapox virus, a newly identified orthopox virus recognised in 2015. This case is the seventh in the state and the first case outside the Fairbanks region. Read more
Advice for travellers
Alaskapox virus is an orthopoxvirus. Orthopoxviruses are known to infect mammals, including humans. Symptoms of Alaskapox have included one or more skin lesions (bumps or pustules) and other symptoms like swollen lymph nodes and joint and/or muscle pain. Immunocompromised people might be at increased risk for more severe illness. To date, no human-to-human transmission of Alaskapox virus has been documented. Risk to travellers is extremely low. Read more
Non-tuberculosis mycobacteria outbreak linked to Florida cosmetic surgery clinic
The CDC have reported a cluster of skin infections across nine states - diagnosed as non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) - are linked to cosmetic surgery procedures and gaps in infection control at a clinic in Florida. Read more
Advice for travellers
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have been increasingly identified as the cause of many cosmetic procedure related infections worldwide. NTM are organisms commonly found in water, soil, and dust. With inadequate sterilisation, NTM can colonise in medical equipment, such as endoscopes and surgical tools, resulting in NTM infection from procedures. Some common symptoms of NTM lung disease are chronic cough, fatigue, weight loss, fever and night sweats. Read more
Immunisation campaign for ongoing cholera outbreak
Zimbabwe have launched a cholera vaccination campaign, planning to immunise over two million people against cholera - a waterborne disease. Health workers will be focussing on schoolchildren and door-to-door initiatives covering 29 of the hardest hit districts. The outbreak has been ongoing since February 2023 with more than 20,000 cases and over 400 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.