Australians traveling to Bali have been warned to be vigilant after a spike in cases of dengue fever – a painful flu-like illness spread by mosquitos.
Australian health authorities have reportedly said there has been an uptick in cases of Aussies returning from the region.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) symptoms of the illness include headache, eye pain, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, and a rash.
On Facebook, a user warned that the illness was “rampant” on a Bali advice page.
“Please everyone be very thorough and cover up with mosquito repellent,” he said.
“There is rampant dengue fever going around at the moment.
“Travelling friends of ours currently have a severely ill 15-year-old son at BIMC (Hospital) fighting this horrible disease.”
An official from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said that dengue fever was prevalent during the rainy season from November to April.
“The best way to prevent dengue fever is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes,” she said.
“The government encourages all travellers to read the travel advice for Indonesia on Smartraveller before they travel, as well as advice on Infectious diseases and dengue.”
A local health official in Bali told a news agency that there have been no fatalities.
“Even though the number of dengue fever cases in Bangli district has increased by 65 percent compared to the position in March 2023, thankfully no dengue fever patients have died,” Head of the Bangli Health Service Nyoman Arsana said.
