Latest news with #mosquitoborne
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Urgent warning to Aussie travellers as worst outbreak in 10 years strikes Pacific nations
Australian travellers are being warned to take caution when visiting several popular holiday destinations in the Pacific, as dengue fever cases spike to their highest numbers in a decade. Thousands of people have been infected in multiple countries and at least two children have died, with the virus affecting an alarmingly high number of young people. There are currently more than 18,000 suspected cases of dengue in the Pacific, with that number still expected to rise. Among the countries with a confirmed outbreak are Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, the Cook Islands and Kiribati. Other countries, including French Polynesia, American Samoa, Nauru and Tuvalu, have also reported cases of dengue fever. The mosquito-borne virus has similar symptoms to a bad flu or Covid virus, which can make it difficult to diagnose without a blood test. Symptoms typically include sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting and a faint red rash. The latest data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows the disease has spread the most rapidly in Fiji, Tonga and French Polynesia. Two children die after getting dengue Officials in Samoa reported that a staggering 87 per cent of the infected have been children and teenagers. On July 13, eight-year-old Faith Melchoir became the second child in the country to die from dengue. The first was 12-year-old Misiafa Lene, who died in New Zealand after being flown out of Samoa on an emergency medevac flight back in April. The nation's government even delayed the start of term 3 for some primary schools this week due to the increasing number of children infected with the virus. Dr Nancy Wong from the World Health Organisation Representative Office for the South Pacific told Yahoo News there's a reason why young people are more highly represented in the statistics. "Because being infected with a strain of dengue usually provides lifelong immunity against that strain, children can be at much higher risk of being infected when the strain is reintroduced into the country," she said. "Many adults would have been infected previously, meaning they are protected from reinfection with that strain." There are four strains of dengue, with two currently in the Pacific. Once someone recovers from the disease, they generally get life-long immunity — but only to that strain. Dr Wong said there are a number of factors that are contributing to the surge in cases this year. These include: Increased rainfall and higher temperatures that mosquitoes favour. Climate change can contribute to these weather conditions Increased international movement of people, and the possibility of a person infected with a different strain arriving in a new country Large gaps between outbreaks can mean there is a new generation of people who haven't previously been exposed to the virus Stronger disease surveillance and reporting can appear to raise the number of cases The WHO advises that even a bottle cap can contain enough water for a mosquito to breed, and urges locals to do their part to clean up any potential mosquito breeding sites. Drains, gutters, bottles, buckets, wheelbarrows and even spare tyres could all collect water and turn into a breeding ground. Should Aussie travellers be worried? Making the decision to postpone or cancel a trip due to a dengue outbreak is an entirely personal choice. While no experts are advising that affected countries be avoided, the SmartTraveller website does suggest to use caution when visiting some of the Pacific nations. Dr Wong said those headed to any tropical destinations — not just in the Pacific — should be aware of the risks. "Dengue fever is widespread globally, it's estimated that about half the world's population is now at risk," she said. "So being aware of dengue and how to protect yourself is very important for travellers to many parts of the world, and particularly to tropical and subtropical countries. "The types of mosquitoes that can spread dengue bite during the day, and especially in the few hours after dawn, and the few hours before sunset." Dr Wong added the best way to lower the risk of getting the disease is to: wear clothes that cover as much of your body as possible use mosquito nets for sleeping during the day, ideally nets sprayed with insect repellent use door and window screens use mosquito repellents (containing DEET, Picaridin or IR3535) use coils and vaporisers. "Dengue fever often causes no symptoms, but in some people, it can be a severe and life-threatening illness," she said. "It's important to understand the symptoms of dengue and especially severe dengue, and to seek medical care if you experience these symptoms." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Aussie grey nomads, campers warned as deadly threat prompts new campaign
Australians are being urged to take mosquito-borne diseases seriously, as a new government initiative rolls out free repellent dispensers across high-risk regions. The pilot program, launched in memory of Peter Blackaby — who tragically died from Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) in 2023 — is part of Western Australia Health's intensified Fight the Bite campaign. Peter's wife, Sonia, is now warning others not to take mosquito bites lightly. "Not enough people are aware of the severity of the viruses that mozzies carry," Sonia told Yahoo News. "Most people have never even heard of MVE. We hadn't. Awareness is the only way to start imprinting the message with people: Prevent bites. It's the only way to protect yourself." The couple had made regular caravanning trips through the Kimberley, Pilbara, and Gascoyne areas, now included in the free repellent dispenser trial. "We had made many trips to Broome, the Dampier Peninsula, Kununurra and the Gibb River Road," Sonia said. "It was one of our favourite destinations." During their final three-week trip together, there were no warning signs. "Pete never said mosquitoes really bothered him. There wasn't a particular bite on him that we were aware of," she said. "I always get smashed by mosquitoes, though." Tragically, Peter contracted MVE — a rare but potentially fatal virus carried by mosquitoes — and lost his life not long after. Since 2023, there have been 12 recorded cases of MVE in WA, resulting in five deaths. The new initiative will see free mosquito repellent dispensers made available to eligible community organisations in high-risk areas, such as caravan parks, sporting clubs, outdoor cinemas and alfresco venues. It is timed to coincide with the annual "grey nomad" season, when thousands of older travellers head north during the winter months — a group considered particularly vulnerable to mosquito-borne illness. A State-wide rollout is planned for 2026, following the initial trial across the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne. WA Health continues to detect MVE activity through its mosquito and sentinel chicken surveillance programs. Although winter is usually a lower-risk period, 2025 has been an unusual year, prompting authorities to reinforce prevention messages. A WA Health spokesperson told Yahoo that the northern dry season, which generally represents a lower risk period for mosquito-borne viruses, has been an unusual year in 2025. "Whilst rare, infection can cause a very serious, potentially fatal, disease. Individuals who survive are often left with severe neurological deficits or disability," they said. "Residents and travellers heading north need to take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites by wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing, avoid areas where mosquitoes are in high numbers and apply an effective insect repellent to all areas of exposed skin. 🦠 Family's Bali nightmare amid disease outbreak in tourist hotspots ‼️ Scientists use toxins to kill off world's most dangerous creature 🦟 Could this tiny gadget reduce itch caused by mosquito bites? "WA Health is also encouraging local governments and larger businesses/corporate organisations to make insect repellent readily accessible to the public and employees in high-risk locations, to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease. A limited number of repellent dispensers are available, free of charge, to eligible community groups/organisations in Kimberley, Pilbara, and Gascoyne to participate in this important Fight the Bite initiative. Sonia, meanwhile, hopes sharing her family's story can help save others. "Prevent bites — it's the only way," she said. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
ABC News
10-06-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Widow of man killed by Murray Valley encephalitis warns of mosquito bite danger
When Sonia Blackaby set out caravanning with her husband across Western Australia's far north, she never thought a mosquito bite would make it their last trip together. Travelling from Tom Price, 1,450 kilometres north-east of Perth, to the Kimberley two years ago, her husband, Peter, contracted a rare mosquito-borne illness. "We returned home and, within a week of that, he started showing symptoms, which I thought at the beginning was a stroke," she said. Peter Blackaby had contracted Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE), a rare but serious mosquito-borne disease that can cause brain inflammation, coma and death. There is no treatment or vaccine for it. Mr Blackaby was flown to Royal Perth Hospital for treatment, but his condition worsened in the following hours. "He went from showing signs [of life] to being in a coma, non-verbal, unresponsive, quadriplegic, and basically in a vegetative state," Ms Blackaby said. Ms Blackaby's story struck a chord with the West Australian government, which is now offering free insect repellent kits to community groups in areas deemed at high risk of a mosquito-borne illness. "So sporting clubs, caravan parks, other places in the community will always have insect repellent available," WA Health Minister Meredith Hammat said. "There were 12 cases of Murray Valley encephalitis reported since 2023, and five of those have resulted in deaths. "It is serious." Part of the reason Ms Blackaby is speaking out now is that she does not think the existing messaging about mosquito-borne illnesses is cutting through. For years, the government has backed a campaign called "Fight the Bite". But Ms Blackaby said most people she talked to had not heard of MVE. "I still travel with my caravan and I make it my public duty to talk to people and ask if they've heard of MVE," she said. "If I can stop one family from going through what my family went through, it's worth it." The initiative comes as Kimberley residents report increased mosquito activity following recent unseasonal rains. Mosquito traps detected MVE in the West Kimberley earlier this month. Broome resident Robyn Maher said the mosquitoes were "out in force". "On this morning's walk through Minyirr I had a black T-shirt on, and my husband said, 'Your whole back is covered in mosquitoes,'" she said. Ms Maher said free mosquito repellent was a "really good idea". "It's ridiculously expensive. Not everyone can afford food, let alone a can of Aerogard, so that's a really good initiative," she said. Ms Blackaby said everyone living in high-risk mosquito regions like the Pilbara and Kimberley should be applying insect repellent as part of their daily routine. "It just has to become ingrained a bit like 'slip, slop, slap' with sunscreen," she said. "It needs to become something that we're just aware of on the regular, not just a news article that pops up every now and again." The government said it was planning a statewide rollout of the initiative next year.
CTV News
28-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Quebec man catches dengue fever during trip to Martinique
A Quebec man is warning fellow travellers to protect themselves before heading off on any international adventures after he caught dengue fever, a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, while on a trip to Martinique in the Caribbean. 'Two days before I came back, I started to get really ill,' Jacob Tremblay tells Noovo Info. 'I had a fever of 40 [degrees Celsius], and when I got on the plane, I was in bad shape.' Upon returning home to Saguenay, Tremblay says he had muscle pain, difficulty walking and a swollen stomach. He was eventually admitted to a hospital in Jonquière in the province's Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region. 'I was in so much pain that I told the doctor that if what they were doing didn't work, I was going to ask for medical aid in dying,' said Tremblay. 'It hurt so much. It was horrible.' Cases of dengue fever are considered rare, presenting with symptoms including fever, headache, rash and muscle and joint pain. In serious cases, it can cause death. In Canada, there is currently no approved vaccine or medication that protects against it. 'Classic dengue fever causes headaches and fever, so it's not very serious. The mortality rate is around one per cent,' explains Nancy Lavoie, a nurse who specializes in travel health. However, she adds, dengue hemorrhagic fever, also known as severe dengue, can affect the body's vascular system and lead to significant internal bleeding and organ failure. The Public Health Agency of Canada notes that though the dengue virus is not present in mosquitoes in Canada, outbreaks are increasingly common in tropical and subtropical regions. It recommends protecting yourself from mosquito bites when in areas where dengue fever is present. Additionally, all travellers should make sure to be properly protected before taking flight. To find out if your travel destination requires certain vaccines or medications, click here.
News.com.au
27-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Aussies warned to take precaution after dengue fever outbreak in Cook Islands
Cook Islands – a popular travel spot for Australians – is warning travellers to take precautions after seven cases of dengue fever prompted a health emergency. The Cook Islands Health Ministry confirmed two cases of illness last week, taking to seven cases reported within a 18-day span. The cases are currently confined to the isle of Rarotonga, and measures are being taken to prevent its spread to the outer islands of Pa Enua. Health authorities have launched Operation Namu25 as a comprehensive initiative to clear mosquito breeding grounds and prevent the transmission of the fever. Certain species of mosquito – the Aedes aegypti – primarily transport the dengue infection. The symptoms of the mosquito-borne viral infection include high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, and skin rashes. In more fatal cases, it can lead to serious health complications that require hospitalisation. Most cases of dengue fever enter Australia through travellers, who are advised to use insect repellent while in the Pacific Islands and seek medical attention if they notice any symptoms
