Mexico Meningitis Related to Surgical Procedures
In May 2023 cases of meningitis caused by a fungus (Fusarium solani) have been reported from private clinics in Matamaros (Tamaulipas State). All cases were related to spinal anaesthetic for surgical procedures.
Marburg Virus Disease Tanzania
In March 2023 authorities confirmed the first known outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Tanzania. Case fatality rate approaches 90%. This outbreak does not seem at this stage to be linked to the MVD outbreak in Equatorial Guinea that has been ongoing since January 2023.
Ebola Virus Outbreak in Uganda
In September 2022 an Ebola Virus outbreak was reported from Uganda, and is ongoing as at late November/early December 2022 with deaths including some in health care workers. Travellers should check the latest information before travel to Uganda. See travel health reports and our updated fact sheet for further information.
Polio
The first locally acquired case of polio with paralysis in USA since 2013 occurred in July 2022, in Rocklands County New York. One paralytic polio case usually means that there are many other persons who have been infected and are infectious, despite having nil or minor flu-like symptoms. Prevention of polio is by being fully vaccinated. All persons irrespective of whether they are travelling or not should be fully vaccinated against polio.
Monkeypox
Since May 2022, health authorities have been investigating monkeypox cases that have been notified from a number of countries outside West and Central Africa, the usual endemic areas for this virus infection that resembles smallpox, the latter having been eradicated in the late 1970s. As at end July 2022, there had been approximately 10,000 cases notified with the majority notified from Western Europe, with significant numbers also notified from North America and Brazil. All travellers should seek medical attention for any illness with rash, in particular vesicular or pustular rash, that could be related to travel or exposure to returning travellers. Australian Federal Government advises that vaccination for high risk groups will be available from second week of August 2022. See our updated Monkeypox Fact Sheet for further information.
SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
By 22 May 2022, approximately 525 million confirmed cases had occurred worldwide with more than 6 million deaths. The number of confirmed cases has escalated more rapidly than the confirmed deaths since the delta variant has been widely replaced by the omicron variant. The majority of infected persons have minimal or nil symptoms. The best way to detect cases is by widespread testing, usually with molecular tests (PCR or polymerase chain reaction; or nucleic acid tests NATs) that detect the viral RNA in samples most commonly swabs from the nose, throat, nasopharynx, or even saliva. An alternative is the (less sensitive than PCR) rapid antigen tests (RATs) that detect viral proteins and which can be used for self-testing in the home or workplace. Both test types are still not widely available in many countries either because of lack of facilities or lack of access to consumables for PCR testing or lack of supply of RATs due to worldwide shortages that cannot match demand. Vaccine rollouts are occurring in many countries, but operational problems causing low population coverage mean that containment, social distancing and personal protective measures will remain important. Travel restrictions are easing but requirements such as proof of vaccination with approved vaccines as well as pre-travel approved tests will be implemented by most countries. See our updated Fact Sheet.
China Travel Requirements - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
From 8 November 2020, all travellers to China require evidence of negative tests for COVID-19 infection (both nucleic acid test and IgM antibody test). Travellers to China should avoid anything other than direct flights, as travel to China via other countries complicates the process and may leave the traveller stranded. See China travel health reports for more information.
Novel Corona Virus 2019-nCoV - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
By November 2020, almost 50 million cases had occurred worldwide with more than 1.25 million deaths. The majority of infected persons have minimal or nil symptoms. The best way to detect cases is by widespread testing, usually with molecular tests (PCR or polymerase chain reaction; or nucleic acid tests NATs) that detect the viral RNA in samples most commonly swabs from the nose, throat, nasopharynx, or even saliva. Such tests are not widely available in many countries either because of lack of facilities or lack of access to consumables for testing due to worldwide shortages. See our updated Fact Sheet on COVID-19.
Novel Corona Virus 2019-nCoV - SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
In January 2020, health authorities notified cases of pneumonia acquired in Wuhan (Hubei Province of China). The exact cause of the illness had not been determined as at 7 January 2020, but was soon thereafter shown to be due to a novel coronavirus (initially named 2019-nCoV), closely related to SARS virus. Travellers who had visited Wuhan were advised to report any unusual respiratory illness to their regular health provider although, by late January 2020, almost all provinces in China had notified a case, so risk was likely already countrywide by then. Cases had been detected in so many countries by February 2020, that an eventual global spread is inevitable. In February 2020, global health authorities and expert virologists advised that, because this novel coronavirus is so closely related to the SARS coronavirus, it would henceforth be referred to as SARS-CoV-2, and the illness that it causes will henceforth be referred to as COVID-19. See travel health reports for further information. See our Fact Sheet (Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV - SARS-CoV-2).
Sabah - Polio Cases
In December 2019, then later in January 2020, cases of paralytic poliovirus infection were notified from Sabah (Kinabatangan and Sandakan in the north-east and Tuaran in the West). All travellers are reminded to be up to date with their polio vaccination. See travel health reports for further information.
Bali - Legionnaires' Disease
In 2019, Australian health authorities have been notified of cases of Legionnaires' Disease acquired in Bali. In 2010, West Australian health authorities reported cases of severe pneumonia caused by Legionnaires' Disease in travellers returning from Bali. Most cases had stayed at the same hotel in Kuta Beach (The Ramayama Resort & Spa). On 23 December 2019, West Australian health authorities released another travel health advisory on Legionnaires' Disease linked to exactly the same resort. See travel health reports for further information.
Qatar - MERS-CoV Death
In December 2019, a woman in Doha, with underlying risk factors for infection, died of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (MERS-CoV). Asymptomatic related cases were detected. Risk to travellers is thought to be minimal at this stage, but travellers returning from the Middle East with respiratory illness that appears different to a standard "cold" are advised to report early to medical care. For more detail see our Fact Sheet on MERS-CoV.
Mali - Yellow Fever Outbreak
In early December 2019, health authorities declared a yellow fever outbreak in two regions of Mali. See travel health reports and our fact sheets for further information.
Philippines - Paralytic Polio Caused by Vaccine Derived Poliovirus Strains
Paralytic polio caused by vaccine derived poliovirus strains has been documented in Philippines since September 2019, and coincides with detection of such strains in sewage collected in a locations including Manilla. All travellers to Philippines should ensure they are in date for polio vaccination. See travel health reports for further information.
Measles in Travellers to New Zealand and Pacific Island Countries
Measles cases are continually encountered in travellers returning to Australia and New Zealand, but in 2019, troublesome measles outbreaks are ongoing in New Zealand and some Pacific Island countries. All travellers should know their measles immune status. If not immune, or uncertain about immune status, all travellers should consult their regular medical practitioner to discuss measles vaccination. If in doubt, or non-immune, measles vaccination should be undertaken before travel.
Philippines - Pufferfish Poisoning
In August 2019, a local outbreak of 17 cases of illness, 2 needing intensive care management, was reported from the Philippines. This outbreak of a potentially rapidly fatal poisoning is a reminder that all travellers should take great care with their food choices. See travel health reports for further information.
Philippines - Fake Rabies Vaccine and Immunoglobulin
In 2019, fake rabies vaccines and rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) purporting to be well known brands are the subject of major concern. All travellers who may be at risk of rabies should have pre-exposure prophylaxis prior to travel to Philippines. See travel health reports for further information.
Yellow Fever Outbreak - Cote D'Ivoire
In August 2019, medical authorities advised of a yellow fever outbreak in Cote D'Ivoire, with cases in Abidjan. See travel health reports for further information.
Serious Fungal Infection in Italian Travellers - Mexico
In April 2019, Italian medical authorities advised of mutiple cases of a serious fungal infection (histoplasmosis) in a group of travellers recently returned from Mexico. See travel health reports for further information.
Extensively Antibiotic Resistant (XDR) Gonorrhoea - United Kingdom
In January 2019, health authorities advised of two cases of extensively resistant gonorrhoea (caused by the bacterium often called "gonococcus"). Both cases had sexual contact while in Ibiza, Spain. There was also sexual contact after return to UK whilst infected. Prevention is by avoiding unprotected sexual intercourse. See travel health reports for further information.
Yellow Fever Outbreak in Nigeria - Status
As of January 2019, vigilance is advised concerning an ongoing Yellow Fever outbreak in Nigeria. Almost 4000 cases have been notified since the onset of the outbreak in 2017. Travellers who are unable to have yellow fever vaccination should reconsider their travel plans. See travel health reports and our fact sheets for further information.
Measles in Travellers
Measles cases are continually encountered in travellers returning to Australia and New Zealand. Travellers may encounter measles in any country, even in places thought to be safe such as Japan, North America and Europe. All travellers should know their measles immune status. If not immune, or uncertain about immune status, all travellers should consult their regular medical practitioner to discuss measles vaccination.
Poliomyelitis in Papua New Guinea
In June 2018, it was confirmed that a case of poliomyelitis had occurred in a 6 year old child who attended a health centre in Morobe Province (capital city is Lae), and that poliovirus was circulating in the community. The child presented with lower limb weakness. Travellers should be up to date with polio immunisation and take care with food/water hygiene. See travel health reports and Fact Sheets for further information.
Infections With Another Monkey Malaria Species in Sarawak
Researchers who previously described Plasmodium knowlesi infections in Malaysian Borneo have now reported cases of infection due to Plasmodium cynomolgi, formerly thought to only be a significant infection in non-human primates. See travel health reports and Fact Sheets for further information.
Meningococcal Outbreak in Fiji
An outbreak of meningococcal infection (Serogroup C) was declared by health authorities in March 2018. Most cases were in children aged less than 15 years of age. Travellers are reminded that children travelling to Fiji should be in date for meningococcal C vaccination. See travel health reports for further information.
Yellow Fever Outbreaks in Brazil - Status
As at end February 2018, vigilance is still advised concerning Yellow Fever outbreaks in Brazil. Since 1 July 2017, over 700 cases with more than 230 deaths have been reported, an increase compared to the same time period last year. Cases have now been reported in urban areas of Sao Paulo city. Cases have also occurred within 100 kilometres from Rio de Janeiro city. Travellers who are unable to have yellow fever vaccination should reconsider their travel plans. See travel health reports and our fact sheets for further information.
Diphtheria Cases Rise in Jakarta
In December 2017 Indonesian authorities advised of an Outbreak Response Immunisation (ORI) campaign in Jakarta following almost 600 cases of diphtheria having been notified for the year (an over 40% increase on 2016). Travellers are reminded to be in date for diphtheria vaccination. See travel health reports and our fact sheet for further information.
Yellow Fever Outbreaks in Brazil - Status
As at end November 2017, vigilance is still advised concerning Yellow Fever outbreaks in Brazil. Cases have now been reported in urban areas of Sao Paulo city. Travellers who are unable to have yellow fever vaccination should reconsider their travel plans. See travel health reports and our fact sheets for further information.
Pneumonic Plague Outbreak in Madagascar
By end November 2017, local authorities reported that over 2300 cases of plague with over 1700 cases of pneumonic plague with over 200 deaths had occurred since August 2017, with cases occurring in large cities including the capital Antananarivo and the main seaport of Toamasina. Seychelles authorities have restricted travel to and from Madagascar until the outbreak settles. Other countries also have measures in place to screen travellers coming from Madagascar. Travellers departing Madagascar are being screened to detect any traveller with possible plague. There is no vaccine currently available. See travel health reports for further information.
Chikungunya Outbreaks in France and Italy
In August and September 2017 France and Italy reported cases of Chikungunya virus infection that were locally acquired. Cases have occurred in Rome. Travellers are reminded to be vigilant with anti-mosquito measures wherever they travel. See travel health reports for further information.
Cholera Outbreak in Kenya
In June and July 2017 two cholera outbreaks affected attendees at meetings in Nairobi County. Cholera outbreaks have been increasingly reported in Kenya in many areas of Kenya since late 2016. Care with food and water and personal hygiene are important for prevention. Vaccination may be indicated for travellers. See travel health reports for further information.
Fatal Japanese Encephalitis in an Australian Traveller
In June 2017 a fatal case of Japanese Encephalitis (JEV) was reported in an Australian traveller returned from Thailand. This is a very rare occurrence, with few cases ever having been reported in Australian travellers. Care with antimosquito measures and consideration of vaccination with JE vaccine are the main forms of protection. See travel health reports for further information.
Eosinophilic Meningitis in Hawaii
The recent report of cases of eosinophilic meningitis on Maui has increased the likely risk areas in Hawaii for angiostrongyliasis. Travellers should be aware of protective measures. See travel health reports for further information.
Yellow Fever Outbreaks in Brazil - Status
As at June 2017, vigilance is still advised concerning Yellow Fever outbreaks in Brazil, although there are signs that the outbreak that commenced in late 2016 is declining. Rio de Janeiro city has been added to the areas for which vaccination is recommended. Travellers who are unable to have yellow fever vaccination should reconsider their travel plans. See travel health reports and our fact sheets for further information.
Yellow Fever Outbreaks in Brazil - Status
As at 27 March 2017, Yellow Fever outbreaks remain a problem in Brazil. Monkey deaths in Sao Paulo State have led to vaccination recommendations being expanded. There have been over 400 human cases in Brazil since the current outbreak commenced with a death rate of approximately 30%. Countries in the Americas (that would nor normally request it) are requesting a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate for travellers who have been in Brazil. Travellers are reminded to check yellow fever vaccination requirements for travel. See travel health reports and our fact sheets for further information.
Yellow Fever Outbreaks in Brazil - New Areas Involved
As at early March 2017, Yellow Fever outbreaks remain a problem in Brazil. In January 2017, health authorities reported the outbreak in Minas Gerais state has spread to neighbouring states of Espirito Santo and Bahia. Cases have also been reported from Sao Paulo state. This is the worst yellow fever outbreak in Brazil since records have been kept (since 1980). Travellers are reminded to check yellow fever vaccination requirements for travel. See travel health reports and our fact sheets for further information.
Yellow Fever Outbreak in Brazil
Yellow Fever outbreaks remain a problem in Brazil. In January 2017, health authorities reported over 100 suspected cases of yellow fever in the state of Minas Gerais. Death rate in laboratory confirmed cases was over 50%. The previous outbreak in Minas Gerais (2002-2003) caused over 60 cases with a death rate of almost 40%. Travellers are reminded to check yellow fever vaccination requirements for travel. See travel health reports and our fact sheets for further information.
Legionnaires Disease cases in Spain
In October 2016, a cluster of cases of Legionnaires Disease was notified from Catalonia (North East Spain), related to a hotel in Salou (Tarragona). Seven cases were originally identified with 1 death. Outbreaks in travellers linked to hotels have occurred in Spain in the past. See travel health reports for further information.
Diphtheria cases in Venezuela
In late September 2016, Venezuela authorities advised of 13 cases of diphtheria notified in San Antonio (Sifontes municipality) in Bolivar State (North Central Venezuela). Travellers are reminded to be in date for diphtheria vaccination. See travel health reports for more information.
