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Medical

Hi,

I am a GP in WA. We went to South America two years ago and decided to try Mosi Guard. Well i was so impressed. Pleasant to wear, the most effective repellent I have ever used.

We had other tourists with all the usual repellants asking us for some and finding it so effective. I hope you never take it off the market. Great product.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Philip Snowball MBBS, MRCP

Children

"I am the Director of a preschool in Sydney where we foster a love of nature and children engaging in outdoor play. But sometimes outdoor play involves mosquitoes! A few years ago I searched the internet to find a natural product that we would be able to apply to children's skin on a daily basis that actually repelled mosquitoes. I found Mosi-guard! Mosi-guard allows our children to play bite free anywhere in our outdoor environment. For children who have in the past experienced allergic reactions to mosquito bites it has been a lifesaver! A number of parents now take a bottle of Mosi-guard home with them after approaching us to find out what we use. From our experience, i could not recommend Mosi-guard more highly to anyone who wants an effective repellent minus the chemicals !"

Pam Lawton

Director

St. George's Preschool Eastwood. NSW.

Travellers

"My partner and i recently travelled to South America and spend a lot of time in the Bolivian jungles and also Mexican Jungles. We were adamant to use a natural alternative to repelling mosquitos, ticks and all the other creepy crawlies in the jungle so we tried Mosi-Guard. We were utterly surprised at how well it worked. The hundreds of mosquitos that continually surrounded us, didn’t dare go near our skin, same as the ticks. It works so powerfully, smells so fresh and i would like to thank you for such an impressive product. We met many other travellers who had skin conditions and even burns from using DEET, and i am so glad i found Mosi-Guard. Thank You! I would like to leave this testimony and please feel free to use it on any website!

Kind Regards,

Melody and Brad

In March 2014, the first case of polio since 2000 was confirmed in a 6 month old boy who developed paralysis in the previous month. He had not been immunised against polio. Laboratory tests indicate the poliovirus was similar to the strain causing the ongoing Middle East outbreak. See health reports for further information.

Ebola Outbreak in Guinea

In February 2014, an outbreak of hemorrhagic fever later identified as Ebola, occurred in Southern Guinea and is continuing through March and likely April. Ebola is a virus infection that has a high case fatality rate (up to 90% but may be as low as 25%) and can be spread by direct contact with infected blood/secretions. Patients with Ebola may cross the border to enter Sierra Leone and Liberia for medical care. See health reports for additional information.

Zika Virus Infection in Easter Island

Zika virus infections were reported from Easter Island in March 2014. This virus was likely introduced from French Polynesia where it has been causing outbreaks. Zika virus is a virus that is transmitted by mosquito bites. Symptoms are similar (but usually milder) to those seen with dengue. Prevention is by protection against mosquito bites as for dengue. See health reports for additional details.

Zika Virus Infection in French Polynesia & New Caledonia

Zika virus infection has been reported from New Caledonia. Cases have also been described from Tahiti. Zika virus is a virus that is transmitted by mosquito bites. Symptoms are similar (but usually milder) to those seen with dengue. Prevention is by protection against mosquito bites as for dengue. See health reports for additional details.

Chikungunya Virus Infection in Caribbean

In December 2013, local transmission of chikungunya virus infection was described for the first time in the Caribbean. The cases were detected on the island of Saint Martin. Chikungunya virus infection causes high fever, headache and joint pains. It is rarely fatal but needs to be distinguished from dengue virus infection, both of which are transmitted by mosquito bite. The concern that the infection will spread to other Caribbean islands has proven well-founded with cases now being reported from other Caribbean islands. See health reports for additional details.

Measles in Travellers

Measles transmission occurs in many overseas destinations including tropical countries. Measles cases in returned travellers can lead to outbreaks in their home country upon return. Travellers have returned from some popular destinations in recent times (e.g. Bali) and have subsequently been diagnosed as having measles. Travellers should know their measles immune-status and check with their doctor to determine whether they require measles vaccination. See our website health reports for more information.

Japanese Encephalitis in Brunei Darussalam

Japanese Encephalitis cases were reported in Brunei in October 2013, with cases reported from Belait, Tutong and Brunei-Muara Districts. This mosquito borne virus infection has never previously been reported from Brunei. See our health reports for more detail.

Cholera cases in Mexico

An outbreak of cholera in October 2013 has led to cases in the states of Hidalgo, Mexico, San Luis Potosi, Vera Cruz and Distrito Federal. Government authorities are on alert. The strain of cholera is similar to that circulating in Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic in recent years. See our website health reports for more detail.

Novel Corona Virus Infection Proposed Name is MERS-CoV

Measles in United Kingdom

A large measles vaccination campaign was commenced in the UK in April 2013 following an outbreak of measles that started in Wales. Travellers are advised to know their measles immune status and, providing there are no contraindications, be vaccinated if not immune. See Travel Health Reports for further information.

Influenza A (H7N9) in China

On 31 March 2013 China notified three laboratory confirmed cases of Influenza A (H7N9) and since then a number of cases have been notified with over 100 cases notified as at late April 2013. See Travel Health Reports for further information.

Liver Fluke in Travellers Returning from Bali

A recent report advises of 6 travellers diagnosed with liver fluke (Fasciola) infection that was acquired in Bali. Initially some travellers were diagnosed with liver cancer and one had major surgery for that. Infectious diseases consultation led to the diagnosis. The most likely mode of acquisition was from eating fresh or under cooked water plants including watercress salad. See Travel Health Report for further information.

Chikungunya in Papua New Guinea

Outbreaks of dengue fever and Chikungunya, both transmitted by mosquitoes, have been reported in recent years, with the first recorded outbreaks of Chikungunya being in 2012, the first descriptions coming from West Sepik (Sundaun) Province. Both virus infections are transmitted by daytime biting mosquitoes so travellers should take steps to avoid mosquito bites. See Fact Sheets and Travel Health Reports.

Novel Corona Virus Infection

A Qatari traveller returned from Saudi and developed an acute respiratory illness and kidney failure in September 2012. The illness was caused by a novel Corona virus. Illnesses caused by Corona viruses vary from the common cold to severe illness like SARS. Cases continue to be reported. See Fact Sheets and Travel Health Reports.

Contaminated acai juice risk for Chagas Disease

A recent outbreak of American trypanosomiasis (Chagas Disease) was reported from Para state Brazil. Contaminated fruit juices made from berries of acai and bacaba palms are thought to be the source. Eating contaminated food and drink was discovered to be a way of acquiring the disease in 2005. Adequate preparation of acai is required to avoid contamination. See Fact Sheets and Travel Health Reports.

Unusual parasitic illness in travellers returning from Malaysia

An unusual parasitic illness called Sarcocystis has been described in a few French travellers returning from Tioman Island in the middle of 2011. This illness causes a variety of symptoms, most prominent being fever, muscle pain, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and generalised symptoms. Symptoms usually occur a few weeks after exposure but tests may not become abnormal until over a month after exposure. See Travel Health Advisor Travel Health Reports for more information.

Ebola virus outbreak confirmed in Uganda & New Outbreak DRC

In July 2012 an outbreak of Ebola virus infection was confirmed in western Uganda (Kibaale District) with at least 20 cases (14 deaths) by late July. As at mid-August there have been 24 probable and confirmed cases cases (16 deaths). An isolation facility in Mulago Hospital is available. Ebola virus outbreaks occur episodically in Uganda. Risk for travellers is low but all travellers to Uganda should be on alert until the outbreak is contained. On 17 August 2012, WHO was notified of an Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republc of Congo (10 suspected cases and 6 deaths). See Travel Health Reports for further information and updates.

Sleeping Sickness in Tourists

Two European travellers have became unwell from Sleeping Sickness (Human African Trypanosomiasis or HAT) following visits to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This has focused attention on a parasitic illness (fatal if untreated) that most travellers to Africa rarely consider, until they get bitten by the insect that transmits the infection – the tsetse fly (Glossina species). WHO reports that, from 2000 to 2010 inclusive, there have been 94 cases of HAT reported in countries outside the endemic area. By far the largest percentage of these reported cases of East African Sleeping Sickness (caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense) has been in tourists, who have often acquired it while on short trips especially to the Serengeti (Tanzania), but also to rural areas and game parks in Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. A case from Zimbabwe was in a park ranger. See Fact Sheets and Travel Health Reports.or further information.

Greece and Malaria Cases

Malaria cases (P.vivax) are still occurring in Greece with at least 11 more locally acquired cases reported since June 2012. Originally, by October 2011, locally acquired P.vivax malaria cases were described from Evrotas (Lakonia District), Eastern Attiki, Evia, Viotia, Larissa, with most cases being from rural areas of Evrotas. Since then cases have been documented from other towns. While malaria cases have been described in persons entering Greece from malaria endemic areas, some cases have been acquired by persons who have not travelled to a malaria area, indicating that they acquired malaria in Greece. Travellers are advised to be vigilant with anti-mosquito measures and consider malaria in cases of fever. See Fact Sheets and Travel Health Reports for further information.

South Africa & Yellow Fever Requirements for Travel from Zambia

In the past there has been some debate as to whether the western provinces of Zambia are included in the yellow fever endemic zone. World Health Organisation advises that it is not. However some maps from other (usually older) sources include this region within the endemic zone. Since the Yellow Fever outbreak in Uganda, East African and other African countries have been on high alert. South Africa authorities proclaimed that will be requiring a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate from all persons travelling from Zambia to South Africa from 1 July 2011, unless there is a medical contraindication. See the personalised Travel Health Advisor Health Report for further information. This requirement was reversed on 21 July 2011 but appears to have been reinstated effective from 1 October 2011 - See Fact Sheets and Travel Health Reports for updates.

Chad Poliomyelitis Outbreak

Since 2007 there has been an ongoing outbreak of poliomyelitis in Chad. Cases are still being reported in Chad in 2011. This and previous outbreaks have been associated in the past with spread to other countries, including spread into Sudan between 2004 and 2006. See the personalised Travel Health Reports.for further information.

Philippines and Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia)

A recent outbreak of schistosomiasis in a Leyte town is a reminder that schistosomiasis is still endemic in parts of Philippines. See the personalised Travel Health Reports.for further information.

Germany Severe Illness caused by E.coli - Cases in other EU Countries

In May 2011, authorities were alerted to a number of cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a severe kidney disorder, occurring in Hamburg. Cases have snce been identified in other parts of Germany including Bavaria and now cases have been reported from other EU countries including Denmark, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, UK. HUS usually follows a gastroenteritis-like illness caused by a toxin-producing strain of E.coli, in this case EHEC strain 0104:H4. Most cases in Europe appear related to the outbreak in Germany where over 20 deaths and over 2000 cases have occurred. Cases have also occurred in North American travellers returning from Europe. See the personalised Travel Health Reports for further information.

More Chikungunya Cases Diagnosed in New Caledonia

Chikungunya cases continue to be detected in New Caledonia, as at 25 May 2011. This discovery follows on from the announcement by health authorities on Friday 25th February 2011 of the first case of acute chikungunya virus infection in New Caledonia, in a person travelling from Indonesia. Authorities advise the local population to be stringent with eliminating mosquito breeding sites. See the personalised Travel Health Reports and Fact Sheets for further information.

Australia Torres Strait Islands Malaria Outbreak

Malaria cases have been reported on Saibai and Dauan in the Torres Strait, leading authorities to limit travel between Papua New Guinea and the Torres Strait Islands effective as of 28 March 2011. Travel that is covered by the Torres Strait Treaty will not be affected. Seven cases of malaria have been diagnosed on Saibai Island, with the last case diagnosed on 10 April 2011. The risk of spread of malaria to the mainland of Australia is low. Antimosquito measures are recommended for travellers to the region. See the personalised Travel Health Reports and Fact Sheets for further information.

Hepatitis E in France from Uncooked Pig Liver Sausages

An outbreak of Hepatitis E has been reported in the first quarter of 2011 from Marseille in south eastern France, with most cases occurring from the end of February 2011. Of the initial 11 cases, 10 were males. Cases are thought to have been associated with consumption of uncooked pig liver sausages. Hepatitis E is a virus infection which has an incubation period of 2-9 weeks. With diagnosed illness there is a reported mortality rate of 1-4%. Infected pigs (because virus replicates in their liver) are a reservoir for the virus. Following this discovery, health authorities now require that producers label pig liver sausages with a warning advising the sausages must be cooked thoroughly. See the personalised Travel Health Reports and Fact Sheets for further information.

Malaria in Swaziland

April 2011, health authorities advise of a malaria outbreak in the Sidvwashini region of Northern Hhohho and surrounding areas of Masutaneni, Ngonini and Nya-katfo. It is thought cases relate to travellers infected with malaria returning from neighbouring malaria countries. Local transmission in Swaziland is thereafter likely due to the presence of Anopheline mosquitoes in Swaziland. See the personalised Travel Health Reports and Fact Sheets for further information.

Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak in Dundee Scotland

As at 25 March 2011, health authorities advise of more than 60 persons having an illness thought to be Legionnaires' Disease after suspected exposure to the Legionella bacterium at the Landmark Dundee four star hotel. The hotel's leisure centre is the focus of public health investigations. See the personalised Travel Health Reports and Fact Sheets for further information.

East Africa on Yellow Fever Alert

The Yellow Fever outbreak in Uganda has placed health authorities in Kenya and Tanzania on alert. Travellers should be aware that immigration authorities will be checking Yellow Fever vaccination status upon entry into both Kenya and Tanzania, with the possibility that travellers without a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate may be vaccinated "on the spot" upon entering Tanzania or Kenya. Reports indicate that authorities are requesting valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificates for entry into Zanzibar. See the personalised Travel Health Reports and Fact Sheets for further information.

Ackee Fruit Poisoning in Jamaica

Health authorities, February 2011, advise of an increase in deaths and sickness in Jamaica in the last 3 months from ackee fruit poisoning. Ackee is a fruit related to the lychee and longan. It is widely used in local cuisine. Illness is caused by a substance in the fruit (especially unripe fruit) called hypoglycin which cause dangerously low blood glucose and an illness associated with abdominal pain, diarrhea and often severe vomiting. There are no reports of travellers being affected to date but travellers should be aware to report any episodes of severe gastroenteritis or drowsiness. See the personalised Travel Health Reports and Fact Sheets for further information.

Australia Floods Cyclones & Disease Risk including Dengue

Following the floods & cyclone in Queensland a number of reports are filtering through about disease risks and outbreaks. The following diseases can potentially increase due to damage and disruption caused, problems with safe water and population movements and during clean up, but risk for some like mosquito borne diseases may not impact until after the recovery period : diarrhoeal diseases, illnesses related to injury like serious skin and soft tissue infections, or leptospirosis, an infection caused by bacteria often found in water contaminated by urine from rats and cattle in particular. There is expected to be an increase in cases of dengue. This unpleasant viral disease can cause fever, rash and joint pains. Rarely, it can be fatal. There is no specific cure. Treatment is given to relieve symptoms. In dengue especially one should avoid the use of aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications as they may aggravate bleeding tendencies caused by the disease. Use paracetamol instead. Dengue virus is transmitted by daytime biting mosquitoes so travellers should take steps to avoid mosquito bites. See Travel Health Advisor Fact Sheet. Outbreaks of dengue fever, a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes, have been reported in recent years. Cases of dengue fever have been reported in North Queensland i