With school holidays approaching, WA Health is urging Western Australians travelling to Bali to be aware of the recent surge in dengue fever cases in the region and take precautions.
The warning comes as the number of WA dengue fever notifiable cases has tripled compared with the same time last year, up from 107 cases to 322 cases. Eighty per cent of these cases also reported recent travel to Indonesia.
So far this year, Indonesia has reported more than 90,000 cases of dengue fever, with over 9.5 million cases reported worldwide.
WA Health Communicable Disease Control Acting Director, Professor Paul Effler said dengue fever was not to be treated lightly, with the mosquito-borne disease potentially causing severe illness.
“While most people will experience mild flu-like symptoms, the disease may be fatal especially for those who become infected with dengue fever a second time,” Professor Effler said.
“The best defence against dengue fever is to protect yourself from mosquito bites when visiting Bali or other high-risk areas.”
The dengue virus is spread through mosquitoes which tend to bite during the day and are usually found around buildings in urban or semi-urban areas.
Symptoms of dengue fever may include fever, rash, headache, fatigue, and joint and muscle pain, with more severe disease presenting with abdominal pain, vomiting, and bleeding from the gums or nose.
There is no specific treatment for this illness, however the risk of contracting dengue fever can be significantly reduced by protecting against mosquitoes when travelling overseas.
Travellers can help prevent mosquito bites during their overseas holidays by following these steps:
- Avoid areas of high mosquito activity.
- Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.
- Apply a chemical-based insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), also known as PMD.
- Sleep under a bed net, preferably one treated with an insecticide.
- Close all doors and windows if they do not have insect screens.
- Request hotel rooms be sprayed for mosquitoes if you notice them.
“If you do become seriously unwell overseas it is important to seek medical attention straight away,” Professor Effler said.
“Likewise, on your return to WA, if you become unwell see your doctor and inform them of your recent travel history.”
Western Australians are advised to research their holiday destination to be aware of any health risks. Up-to-date advice on health risks and how to seek medical care overseas can be found at Smart Traveller.