Passage to Australia and New Zealand

The risk of contracting a disease may vary from region to region within a country and may also be influenced by environmental factors.

Listed below are some diseases prevalent in these island countries.

Food and water borne infections do not pose much risk for the traveler in Australia and New Zealand.

Influenza season in these countries is through the months of April to September.

Mosquito-borne infections

Ross River Virus (RRV)- This is the most widespread arboviral disease in Australia, mosquito being the infectious agent. Apart from various other symptoms including rheumatic symptoms, this disease can debilitate the affected person to the extent that work is impossible for 2-3 months. Symptoms may also be prolonged and may last up to one year.

No vaccine is currently available.

Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) - This is caused by a flavivirus and transmitted to humans through the bite of a mosquito. The virus can cause severe human infection with encephalitis being the most prominent symptom. Vaccine is currently unavailable.

Bacterial infection- Buruli ulcer, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, is an infection that results in large ulcers leading to extensive damage of skin and soft tissue usually on the legs or arms. The disease is prevalent near water bodies like swamps, lakes, marsh and ponds. Incidentally, these bacteria belong to the family (of bacteria) that cause tuberculosis and leprosy.

Australia has reported an increase in the incidence of these cases since 2004. Most are from the State of Victoria and the town of Point Lonsdale. The reason for the spread of this disease is unclear; so is its mode of transmission. The ulcer can affect people of all ages and sexes, but mostly children under 15 years are the victims.

A recent Australian release has suggested that salt marsh mosquitoes may be involved in the transmission of the disease, though this is yet to be established.