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 1st of May 2024
Second Wild Poliovirus Case Confirmed
Afghanistan has confirmed its second case of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in 2024. The individual is from the eastern region of the country. Additionally, five environmental samples tested positive for WPV1: four in Nangarhar and one in Kandahar. Afghanistan remains one of the two countries in the Middle East where WPV1 is still endemic. 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.
18 Holiday destinations listed as dengue hot-spots
18 countries are reporting higher-than-usual dengue cases resulting in ongoing alerts on the increased risk to International travellers of dengue fever. The updated CDC list includes Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, and Turks and Caicos Islands. 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.
Florida inbound continue bringing chikungunya, dengue, and malaria diseases
Southern Florida health authorities have confirmed the following imported cases of mosquito-transmitted diseases so far in 2024:
- Chikungunya: 3 cases reported in individuals travelling from Brazil.
- Dengue Fever: 106 travel-related cases reported, primarily from travellers to Cuba. 5 cases of locally acquired dengue fever have been reported in Miami-Dade (4) and Pasco counties (1).
- Malaria: 19 cases of malaria have been reported in individuals with travel histories to malaria-endemic regions in Africa.
Advice for travellers
Epidemic of the Zika, chikungunya and dengue viruses continue in the Americas and Caribbean. Generally milder than dengue and chikungunya, Zika’s symptoms last 4-7 days and include a rash, pain in the joints, and the eye condition, conjunctivitis. With the apparent exception of pregnant women, long-term ill-effects are rare, although joint pain may linger for weeks – even months. Like dengue and Chikungunya, Zika is spread by Aedes mosquitoes which bite aggressively by day and are found in urban setting, including leafy gardens and outdoor restaurants. Travellers should take particular care to avoid being bitten just after sunrise and just before sunset, the mosquitoes’ main feeding time.
Pertussis (whooping cough) outbreak
Costa Rica's Ministry of Health (MOH) are investigating a potential outbreak of Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough) in the Tibas district, situated north of San Jose. This area has been previously associated with reported cases of chikungunya, dengue, malaria, and Zika by the MOH in 2024. Requests to verify vaccination travelling into Costa Rica have been reported. 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.
France warns of surge in imported dengue cases ahead of Olympics
French health officials are warning the possibility of imported cases of dengue fever by travellers to the Olympics. The World Health Organisation (WHO)'s regional office has reported over 5.2 million cases of dengue in the Americas, with numerous countries experiencing significant epidemics. This marks an increase of over 400 percent compared to the average of the past five years. 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.
Dengue risk for travellers to Bali
Bali, Indonesia, has seen a surge in dengue fever cases with over 4,000 cases for 2024 and five fatalities. The escalation of cases has prompted authorities to implement alerts and proactive measures to tackle the situation and safeguard the health and well-being of both residents and tourists on the island. 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.
Pertussis (whooping cough) Outbreak
The Republic of the Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) has initiated measures to tackle a Pertussis outbreak. Over 1,000 cases of Pertussis (whooping cough) have been reported for 2024, an increase of almost 34 times compared to the same period in 2023. The majority of these cases were identified in unvaccinated children under the age of five. 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.
London's Measles outbreak continues
Measles outbreaks continue being confirmed in numerous countries in 2024, with the highest case areas being watched are Chicago and London. The U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released an updated report, indicating that over 1,100 confirmed cases have been reported since October 2023. 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.
West Virginia reports first measles case in 15 years
West Virginia Department of Health has reported the first measles case since 2009. The patient, residing in Monongalia County, was unvaccinated and had recently returned from international travel. There is a continued upward trend of measles in the USA. Read more
Advice for travellers
Easily preventable through vaccination, measles and mumps are highly contagious diseases that can cause serious illness in people of all ages. Many cases reported in Australia are linked to overseas travel to both developing and developed countries. Travelvax Australia recommends travellers check their status for these and other routine childhood immunisations, such as tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough (pertussis) ahead of departure. Read more