Health alert for Australians heading to Bali as dengue fever cases surge

Australians heading to Bali are being warned over a recent surge in dengue fever cases in the region.

Travellers are urged to take precautions against the mosquito-borne disease which can cause severe illness and may even be deadly.

The warning comes as the number of notifiable cases of dengue fever in Western Australia has tripled compared with the same time last year, with health authorities revealing 80 per cent of these cases reporting recent travel to Indonesia.

Indonesia has reported more than 90,000 cases of dengue fever this year.

The virus is spread through mosquitos and is more common in tropical and subtropical climates.

Communicable disease control acting director professor Paul Effler said dengue fever was not to be treated lightly.

“While most people will experience mild flu-like symptoms, the disease may be fatal especially for those who become infected with dengue fever a second time,” Effler said.

“The best defence against dengue fever is to protect yourself from mosquito bites when visiting Bali or other high-risk areas.

“If you do become seriously unwell overseas, it is important to seek medical attention straight away.”

Most people who are infected will not have any symptoms, according to the World Health Organisation.

However, for those who do, the most common symptoms are fever, rash, headache, fatigue, and joint and muscle pain.

In more severe cases, people may experience abdominal pain, vomiting, and bleeding from the gums or nose.

Authorities advise anyone heading to Bali should avoid areas of high mosquito activity, wear protective clothing, use a chemical-based insect repellant, sleep under a bed net and close all doors and windows if they do not have insect screens.