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 9th of April 2024
Flu spike concerns in Queensland
More than 7,000 cases of flu have already been recorded in Queensland this year with 11 deaths. Health authorities are alerting concerns of hospitals managing as cases rise. More than 700 people have already been hospitalised this year with serious illness from influenza. Read more
Advice for travellers
The flu season has arrived in the southern hemisphere and Travelvax Australia recommends vaccination for all travellers over 6 months. Seasonal flu is the most common vaccine-preventable travel-related illness, posing a risk aboard aircraft, in crowded airport terminals, and at your destination. Travellers should also avoid close contact with people showing flu-like symptoms, and thoroughly washing hands using soap and water after using the toilet and before eating. Hand sanitiser is a convenient alternative if soap and water is not available. Read more on seasonal influenza.
First case of screwworm ever recorded
The authorities of Costa Rica have confirmed the first case of screwworm in a human has been recorded in the in the town of Altamira de Pavones, Costa Rica. Read more
Advice for travellers
Screwworm is a disease caused by the larvae of the fly Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) , which lays its eggs in any open wound of a warm-blooded animal, including people. Hours after they have been deposited, the worms are born, which feed on the living tissue.
The larvae hatch and develop under the skin causing a condition known as cutaneous myiasis.
Symptoms include the presence of a painful lump on the skin that may secrete fluid. As the larva grows, it may be visible under the skin and can often be felt moving. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the larva, followed by local care to prevent infection. Read more
Tiger mosquitoes confirmed are now widespread in France
Health authorities have recorded the presence of tiger mosquitoes in the northern region of Normandy – confirming this invasive species is now widespread in mainland France.
The concern is that Tiger mosquitos, native to Asia, can transmit viruses including dengue, Zika and chikungunya. Read more
Advice for travellers
Tiger mosquitoes have spread to 72 departments in 20 years and reached the Channel coast in 2023.
The invasive species properly known as Aedes albopictus or the Asian Tiger mosquito first appeared in France in 2004, but thanks to milder winters and long, hot summers, have spread widely over recent years and are now present in all regions of France.
Health authorities on alert as anthrax infects 14 in southern Laos
At least 14 people have confirmed anthrax bacterial infection in two districts in southern Champassak province of Laos. The authorities have actioned restrictions on the transportation and slaughtering of some farm animals to curb the spread. Health officials reported that anthrax had been confirmed in the carcasses of 97 animals - cows, buffaloes and goats. Read more
Advice for travellers
The anthrax bacterium is transmitted to people in the form of spores which are can produce disease through consuming contaminated meat, through inhalation or via contact with the wool, hair or hide of infected animals. The majority of cases have occurred in people involved in the livestock industry, so infection is a low risk to travellers. Read more about anthrax.
Tick borne encephalitis – ticks active October to April
The Public Health Office of the Slovak Republic advise almost 50% of encephalitis during the past 5-year period was recorded in the Banskobystrica region. TBE is found mainly in the Slovak Karst, but also on the borders of forests and lowlands. Ticks move in temperatures above zero degrees and vaccination is recommended for residents or long stay travellers doing outdoor activities in the area. Read more
Advice for travellers
A viral infection, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) can cause fever, vomiting, cramps and paralysis, which can be prolonged. In rare instances, infection can be fatal. Travellers who spend time in regions where TBE is endemic – mainly forested areas of Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, Northern China, and Mongolia – may be at risk. The highest risk is during the warmer months from April to November, especially when hiking or camping in areas below 1500m. While safe and effective vaccines are available in Europe, none are licensed in Australia. However, vaccination can be obtained by doctors through a Special Access Scheme.
Cholera deaths, humanitarians call for action
Somalia has reported almost 600 new cases of cholera in 23 districts, with more than 50% of cases affecting children under the age of five. The outbreak began in January and is reported to be a consequence of the severe flooding late in 2023. 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.
Texas confirms first human bird flu case
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has reported one confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in Texas. It is confirmed the infected patient did have direct exposure to cattle with suspected avian flu infections. 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
Rhode Island confirms a case of rare Tick-Borne Viral infection (Powassan)
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is reporting a confirmed case of the tick-borne Powassan virus disease (Powassan) detected in a Rhode Island resident in Kent County. Read more
Advice for travellers
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
Ho Chi Minh City urgently responds to rabies following fatality spike
More than 20 people have been reported dead from rabies Jan to Feb 2024 and Health authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have issued an urgent alert rabies vaccination facilities and medical clinics to implement measures to restrain the disease. 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.