Travel Health Alerts

Haemorrhagic pink eye – (conjunctivitis) outbreak

The city of Luanda in Angola has an outbreak of haemorrhagic Pink Eye (conjunctivitis), which is extremely contagious, with 8-10 cases being seen daily, some very serious. Health officials are appealing for everyone to increase prevention measures, including frequent hand washing, avoid crowded places and not touching eyes. Read more

Advice for travellers

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is one of the most common eye conditions in children and adults. It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball. This inflammation makes blood vessels more visible and gives the eye a pink or reddish color.

What Are the Symptoms of Pink Eye?

The signs and symptoms of pink eye may vary depending on the cause, but they usually include—

• Redness or swelling of the white of the eye or inside the eyelids
• Increased amount of tears
• White, yellow or green eye discharge
• Itchy eyes
• Burning eyes
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Gritty feeling in the eye
• Crusting of the eyelids or lashes

What Causes Pink Eye?

There are four main causes of pink eye:

• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Allergens (like pet dander or dust mites)
• Irritants (like smog or swimming pool chlorine) that infect or irritate the eye and eyelid lining

How Do I Stop Pink Eye from Spreading?

Viral and bacterial pink eye are very contagious and can spread easily and quickly from person to person. You can reduce the risk of getting or spreading pink eye by following some simple self-care steps, like washing your hands and not touching your eyes. See conjunctivitis prevention. Pink eye that is caused by allergens or irritants is not contagious, but it is possible to develop a secondary infection by other viruses or bacteria.

How Is Pink Eye Treated?

The treatment for pink eye depends on the cause. Pink eye is usually mild and will often get better on its own, even without treatment. However, there are times when it is important to see a health care provider and get an antibiotic or other medical treatment. See conjunctivitis treatment.

Measles spread concerns

The public health director has warned measles might be spreading through Quebec via community transmission.
An infected person visited a school, a store, a medical clinic and then the hospital. There are currently 4 confirmed cases. Other states have reported cases, with 4 suspected in Quebec, 2 cases reported in Montreal, and more cases in the York 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.

Monkey fever cases rise in India

Monkey fever or Kyasanur Forest Disease is a tick-borne haemorrhagic fever – 49 positive cases and 2 deaths have been reported in the state of Karnataka. Read more

Advice for travellers

KFD, also referred to as Monkey Fever, is a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic disease, which can be fatal to humans and other primates. It is transmitted by a range of tick species. A wide range of small rodents, monkeys and birds are thought to play a role in Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV) transmission. Read more

Measles outbreak reaches 4,000 cases

Children under age 10 are the most affected due to a large number of parents refusing to immunise due to religious reasons and/or lack of trust in the quality of the vaccine. Read more

Advice for travellers

Measles occurs in developing and developed countries and unvaccinated travellers are at particular risk, both in transit and during their stay. While generally benign, infection can result in severe illness or death. Travelvax Australia recommends travellers check their immunisation status for measles and other childhood diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis) and mumps at least 6 weeks before departure. Read more about measles.

Peru's health ministry declares dengue emergency for 20 of the country's 25 regions

Health officials stated the health emergency declaration will be in effect for 90 days. $42 million has been allocated for response actions, including mosquito control measures and outbreak investigation. More than 31,000 suspected dengue cases reported, almost 20,000 of them confirmed with 32 deaths. 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.

Miagao has recorded a surge in dengue cases, with other areas also reporting increase in cases

Health officials are urging Philippine communities to adopt the 4S strategy to prevent dengue infection. 4S stands for: 1. Search and destroy breeding sites. 2. Self-protection bite prevention measures. 3. Seek early consultation. 4. Support fogging/spraying. 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.

Chikungunya vaccine is being recommended for US travellers in outbreak settings

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are suggesting that susceptible US citizens over 18 years should consider the chikungunya vaccine if traveling to a country or territory experiencing an outbreak of the disease and are likely to have moderate exposure to mosquitoes or for stays longer than 6 months. The vaccine has been approved for use in the USA since November 2023. Read more

Advice for travellers

Chikungunya infections continue to spread across the Caribbean and Americas. The disease has symptoms similar to dengue fever and is transmitted by day-time feeding Aedes mosquitoes. There is no vaccine or prevention medication; using an effective, tropical-strength repellent to avoid insect bites is the best form of protection. Read more about Chikungunya. 

Rabies risk - in the first 2 months 2024 almost 70,000 people bitten by dogs and cats

In the first 2 months of 2024 Vietnam has recorded almost 70,000 people required rabies vaccination after animal bites – and 18 deaths from rabies have been recorded. Read more

Advice for travellers

Rabies is present in most countries and all travellers should be aware of the importance of avoiding contact with wild and domestic animals. If bitten or scratched, urgent post-exposure treatment is required. Vaccination is normally recommended for longer stays, especially travellers planning to live in, or travel extensively through, rural areas and also for children; however the final recommendation is itinerary-specific. Read more on rabies.