Warning as potentially fatal illness hits Aussies in Bali

With school holidays approaching, a health warning has been issued for West Aussies travelling to Bali.

WA Health urges travellers to be aware of the recent surge of dengue fever cases among West Aussies, which has tripled compared to last year.

The dengue virus is spread through mosquitos, which generally bite during the day and are usually found around buildings in urban or semi-urban areas.

Symptoms may include fever, rash, headache, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, with more severe cases presenting with abdominal pain, vomiting and bleeding from the gums or nose.

While there is no specific treatment, protecting against mosquitoes while travelling can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the virus.

This can be done by wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, using a chemical-based insect repellent, sleeping under a bed net, closing all doors and windows, and requesting that hotel rooms be sprayed for mosquitoes.

WA Health Communicable Disease Control Acting Director Professor Paul Effler said dengue fever should not be treated lightly.

“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,” he said.

“The best defence against dengue fever is to protect yourself from mosquito bites when visiting Bali or other high-risk areas.”

WA dengue fever cases have jumped from 102 last year to 322 this year, with 80 per cent of cases related to recent travel to Indonesia.