RID Travel Advice

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Mosquito-borne disease risk in the Kimberley - The Department of Health's surveillance program (undertaken by The University of Western Australia) has detected activity of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus in several locations in the Kimberley. Kunjin virus also continues to be detected. Department of Health Medical Entomologist Sue Harrington said rainfall during May had resulted in populations of biting mosquitoes that could be carrying these viruses. "In young children, fever might be the only early sign of MVE, so parents should see their doctor if concerned, and particularly if their child experiences drowsiness, floppiness, irritability, poor feeding, or general distress. "

"Infection with Kunjin virus can cause symptoms that are similar to Ross River virus disease, such as swollen and aching joints, fever and rash. However in rare cases, Kunjin, like MVE, can cause more severe symptoms which include headache, neck stiffness, fever, delirium and coma," said Ms Harrington. "Transmission of other mosquito-borne viruses is also continuing in the north, with 13 cases of Ross River virus disease and Barmah Forest virus disease reported from the Kimberley in the past three months," she said. The warning particularly applies to people undertaking outdoor activities during the evening and night in coastal and inland areas of the Kimberley region, but also in other parts of the northwest if mosquitoes are abundant.

Published 15th June, 2010                                                                                                    Source

QUEENSLAND

Eleven cases of Ross River virus were treated by Gympie doctors in less than a month (April 12 to May 9), the council's Community And Economic Development Committee heard yesterday. In the same period one person at Imbil and one at Gympie was treated for Barmah Forest virus, which is similar to Ross River and also transported by mosquitoes. Health and Environmental Services Co-ordinator Ian Wolff told the committee Queensland Health had advised cases of Ross River were increasing across the Wide Bay, including in the Sunshine and Fraser Coast regions. Summer is the traditional season for mosquitoes to be active, however, Gympie's relatively mild autumn and winter conditions meant mosquitoes could be biting all year round.

Published 10th June, 2010                                                                                                        Source

INDIA - CHANDIGARH

Chandigarh - With early spells of rain adding to the humid conditions, malaria cases are being reported from several parts of the city. In May, 16 cases were reported. Officials of the Health department said the number of cases have increased since then, but the figures for June are being compiled. According to the available figures, 44 cases of malaria have been reported so far.

Published 23rd June, 2010                                                                                                   Source

INDIA - MUMBAI

The monsoon may have just begun, but the rising incidence of malaria and fever in the city has already become a cause of serious concern. According to records with the civic health department, 1,175 cases of malaria and 3,474 cases of fever have been reported in the city's private and public hospitals since June 1. "Kurla, with 261 cases of malaria is the worst affected," said Dr Anuradha Pednekar, a Shiv Sena corporator. Malaria has also claimed two lives since June 1, said civic health authorities. "Mumbai, with its ever-burgeoning population, humid climate and optimum temperature, is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes," said Dr Arvind Bhonsale, a paediatrician, who has treated at least six patients with malaria in the last two weeks. 

Published 22nd June, 2010                                                                                                     Source

THAILAND

RANONG - Over 640 people of both Thai and Burmese nationals have been found ill with malaria in the latest outbreak in the southern province of Ranong. The Public Health Office of Ranong revealed that the accumulated number of malaria-infected patients since 1 January 2010 had reached 644. Out of this number, 61% are Thai while the rest are Burmese. However, no casualties have been reported. The suppression however faces some difficulties as Burmese workers living in risky areas along the Thai-Burmese border are frequent migrants. The weather condition and southern terrains also favor the reproduction of the malaria transmitter, Anopheles mosquito. People are advised to seek blood checks at district disease-control units if they have high fever.

Published 10th June, 2010                                                                                                   Source

CAMBODIA

PHNOM PENH, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Dengue fever has killed at least seven Cambodians since early this year, a government officer said Tuesday. Ngan Chantha, director of National Dengue Control Program said since the early year to June 2010, seven people have died of dengue fever and 1,111 cases of the disease were recorded. Last week, the disease was a bit more increased in Phnom Penh, and in three other provinces of Kampong Cham, Kompong Thom and Siem Reap.

Published 15th June, 2010                                                                                              Source

THE PHILLIPINES

Barely had the rainy season started in the Philippines when health authorities reported a 148-percent rise in dengue cases in Negros Occidental in Western Visayas in the first five months of 2010, compared to only 187 in the same period last year. The top five dengue-hit areas this year as Silay City with 76 cases, Cadiz City 59, Sagay City 50, Escalante City 28, and Bago City 28. Municipalities and cities that also have recorded dengue cases are Manapla with 28, La Carlota City 23, Victorias City 23, Talisay City 20, E.B. Magalona 16, Calatrava 14, San Carlos City 14, and Toboso 12. Provincial health office assistant chief Ma. Socorro Quiñon said they are expecting the number of dengue cases to increase during the rainy season.

Published 11th June, 2010                                                                                                    Source

SINGAPORE

Singapore's largest dengue cluster so far this year has been identified at Clementi West Street 2. There are a total of 20 cases from six blocks there - blocks 708, 709, 711, 712, 728 and 729.  For the past three weeks, 64 officers from the National Environment Agency (NEA) have been conducting search and destroy operations in the area. So far, more than 1,400 larvae were found in 47 breeding habitats. 60 per cent of the habitats were found in homes.

Published 9th June, 2010                                                                                                         Source