Urgent travel warning for Aussies heading to Bali

Australians looking to escape the winter chill in Bali have been issued an urgent travel warning amid a surge in dengue fever cases on the Indonesian island. 

Travellers are being advised to take precautions against the mosquito-borne disease, which can cause severe sickness and can even lead to death.

The number of cases of dengue fever in Western Australia has tripled from the same time last year, with 80 per cent of these cases reporting recent travel to Indonesia. 

Indonesia has reported more than 90,000 cases of dengue fever already this year as experts warn the disease must be taken very seriously. 

‘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 Paul Effler of the WA Department of Health told 7News.

‘The best defence against dengue fever is to protect yourself from mosquito bites when visiting Bali or other high-risk areas. If you do become seriously unwell overseas, it is important to seek medical attention straight away.’

Dengue fever is spread through mosquitos and is more common in tropical and subtropical climates – already this year. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said that most people who get dengue fever will not have any symptoms. 

But for those who do become ill, the most common symptoms are fever, rash, headache, fatigue and joint and muscle pain.

In severe cases, people may experience abdominal pain, vomiting and bleeding from the gums or nose.

Anyone heading to Bali is advised to try to avoid areas of high mosquito activity and wear protective clothing such as long sleeved shirts and full length trousers. 

Travellers should also use a chemical-based insect repellant, sleep under a bed net and close all doors and windows if they do not have insect screens.

In further Bali news on Friday, it emerged that Aussie travellers could be forced to pay an even bigger tourist tax on arrival to the holiday island.

Indonesian politicians are pushing for an increase in the current fee, which they deem inadequate at $15 or IDR150,000.

They propose raising the fee to approximately IDR800,000, equivalent to $AUS75. 

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