Health warning for Bali tourists as surge of people return with dengue fever

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Travellers heading to Bali have been issued with a health warning after a surge of people returned home to Australia with dengue fever.

Western Australia has recorded 138 cases of dengue fever this year, twice the number of cases compared to the same time last year.

WA Health said most of those cases were acquired in Indonesia, which has reported more than 60,000 cases of dengue fever this year.

Dengue virus is transmitted to people via the bite of an infected mosquito and while most people will have mild or no symptoms, those who are infected a second time are at greater risk of severe disease which can be fatal.

The Communicable Disease Control’s acting director, Dr Jelena Maticevic, said the best defence against dengue fever was to protect against mosquito bites when visiting Bali or other high-risk countries.

“Dengue fever is spread through mosquitoes which tend to bite during the day and are usually found around buildings in urban or semi-urban areas.” Dr Maticevic said.

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

“There is no specific treatment for this illness, however the risk of contracting dengue fever can be significantly reduced by protecting against mosquitoes when travelling overseas.”

Travellers can take the appropriate steps to prevent mosquito bites during their overseas holidays by avoiding areas of high mosquito activity and wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing.

Applying a chemical-based insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), also known as PMD can also prevent mosquito bites.

WA Health suggested travellers should sleep under a bed net, preferably one that was treated with an insecticide, and should close all doors and windows that do not have insect screens.

People should also request that their hotel rooms be sprayed for mosquitoes if they are present.

Anyone who becomes sick when they return to Australia should see their doctor immediately.

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