Aussie travellers warned to prepare for an epidemic of ‘broken bone disease’

BALI and Hawaii are idyllic destinations that Aussies dream about, but these destinations also pose serious risks.

OCTOBER 26 2014 DEALS Traditional fishing boats on a beach in Nusa Dua on Bali. Indonesia.

AUSSIE TRAVELLERS heading to South-East Asia, including Bali, are being warned to prepare for an epidemic of dengue fever.

Health experts are blaming the onset of the most intense El Niño in 20 years for severe outbreaks currently occurring in the Philippines, Taiwan and India.

“Elevated temperatures can create the ideal circumstance for large-scale dengue epidemics to spread across a wide region.” said Willem van Panhuis, assistant professor of epidemiology at University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health.

Travel safety expert at online travel insurer TID Phil Sylvester says this is bad news for Aussie travellers. The number of cases of dengue fever in Australians acquired while on holiday last year topped 1500.

“And that was a quiet year for the disease. It’s going to be a shocker.” Sylvester told news.com.au.

“The Philippines already has 90,000 cases, Taiwan 20,000 — it won’t be long before we see spikes from other Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Indonesia, and tourists are not immune,” Sylvester said.

Last year TID handled 52 individual cases of dengue fever in travellers, arranging medical care, paying hospital expenses and in extreme cases paying for evacuation to a facility where good quality care could be provided.

Although there are some cases of dengue fever originating in north Queensland, the vast majority of cases are acquired by Australians on holiday. Due to the sheer number of Aussies who travel there, Bali is the number one source, but other hot spots are: Thailand, Sri Lanka, The Philippines, Tahiti, Vietnam and Fiji.

Hawaii has also been hit this year. As of December 8 there had been 139 confirmed cases of the disease, according to Hawaii’s Department of Health. The majority of ill patients were local residents, while 17 are visitors.

“Dengue fever outbreaks happen in Hawaii from time to time, but not every year, and it’s especially unusual for there to be so many cases,” Sylvester said.

“The outbreak is restricted to the Big Island and local authorities are conducting eradication programs.

“But it’s important for visitors to take a few simple precautions of their own. These precautions shouldn’t get in the way of having a great time in Hawaii.”

With views like this, is it any wonder that Aussies love Bali? Picture: iStock

WHAT IS DENGUE FEVER?

Dengue fever is also a mosquito-transmitted virus that occurs in the tropics or subtropics — and also occurs in some parts of Northern Australia. Some of the symptoms include joint pain, fever, rash, and headache.

The severity of symptoms can vary — one person may have a mild, flu-like illness, but in extreme cases it can be fatal.

There is no cure for dengue and treatment is restricted to dealing with symptoms — rehydration, and pain relief.

Historically the disease was known as “break bone disease” because the severe joint and muscle pain made sufferers feel like their bones were breaking.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM DENGUE FEVER

Because there is no cure or vaccine the only way to protect yourself is to prevent the mosquitoes biting you. Wear loose, light coloured clothing at all times — the dengue-carrying mosquito is active at all times of day and in built-up environments. Use insect repellent, zappers and coils in living spaces.

Unless you’re in a sealed, air-conditioned bedroom, sleep under a mosquito net.

“When you arrive at your accommodation, and after rain, look for anything that might hold stagnant water; a pot plant, an old can, an upturned bucket … and tip the water out to stop the mossies breeding,” said Sylvester.

Symptoms can take up to two weeks to present, so if you feel ill after returning home remember to tell your doctor you’ve been overseas.