“It’s our vision at Shepparton Travel Clinic to provide expert medical advice to those travelling overseas.”
Dr Olga Ilic
TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
Major issues for well-travelled places
The below information is intended as a guide. Depending on your itinerary details and medical circumstances advice may be incomplete. A consultation at Shepparton Travel Centre is still required to properly discuss your risks and develop specific recommendations. The below advice also assumes you have had childhood immunisations according to the Australian immunisation schedule.
For up to date information and recommendations re CORONAVIRUS please make an appointment at Shepparton Travel Clinic and consult the Australian Governments website https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
Kokoda Track
The Kokoda track highlights the course of several WW2 battles between the Japanese and Australian forces. It is a challenging track which requires a reasonable level of fitness and training.
Kokoda Track Illness Risks
◊ Risk of Gastroenteritis – HIGH
◊ Risk of Mosquito borne illnesses – HIGH
◊ Malaria – PRESENT
◊ Risk of Rabies – POSSIBLE
GENERAL PRE-TRAVEL CARE:
◊ You should be up to date with Tetanus Vaccine
◊ Consider taking an adequate first-aid / medical kit in the event of sickness whilst overseas
◊ Footcare – ensure your boots are worn in to reduce blisters & carry dressings / fungal creams for feet
Topics to discuss with doctor
GASTROENTERITIS:
◊ Water = you will need to treat water along Track – see our Blog on Contaminated Water
◊ Vaccines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid
◊ Hand sanitiser, see diarrhoea blog for details
MOSQUITO BORNE ILLNESSES:
◊ Tropical strength repellent and follow mosquito precautions – view our Blog on Mosquito borne diseases.
◊ Tablets to reduce the chance of malaria – Antimalarial Medication
◊ Vaccine for Japanese Encephalitis
CONSIDER VACCINATIONS FOR:
◊ Tetanus, Influenza, Hepatitis B, Measles Mumps Rubella, Rabies & Pertussis.
RISK OF RABIES:
◊ Avoid contact with bats, if bitten/scratched seek medical care urgently (see Rabies blog)
Handy reading: Pre-Departure Information Guide
Indonesia (including Bali)
Indonesia is the world’s largest island country and located in Southeast Asia, between the Indian and Pacific oceans. Indonesia has more than seventeen thousand islands, and over 1.9 million square kilometres.
Indonesia Illness Risks
◊ Risk of Gastroenteritis – HIGH
◊ Risk of Mosquito borne illnesses – HIGH
◊ Risk of Rabies – YES
◊ Malaria – PRESENT in some parts of Indonesia
GENERAL PRE-TRAVEL CARE:
◊ You should be up to date with Tetanus Vaccine
◊ Consider taking an adequate first-aid / medical kit in the event of sickness whilst overseas
Topics to discuss with doctor
GASTROENTERITIS:
◊ Water = tap water is unsafe – read our Blog on Contaminated Water to learn about safe water supplies
◊ Vaccines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid
◊ Hand sanitiser, see our diarrhoea blog for details
RISK OF MOSQUITO BORNE ILLNESSES:
◊ Take tropical strength repellent and follow mosquito precautions – view our Blog on Mosquito borne diseases.
◊ Tablets to reduce the chance of malaria – Antimalarial Medication
◊ Vaccine for Japanese Encephalitis
CONSIDER VACCINATIONS FOR:
◊ Tetanus, Influenza, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Rabies & Pertussis.
RISK OF RABIES:
◊ Avoid contact with dogs (and other land mammals such as monkeys and bats), if bitten/scratched seek medical care urgently (see Rabies blog)
Thailand (including Phuket)
Thailand is located in Southeast Asia, and known for its tropical beaches, opulent royal palaces, ancient ruins and ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha.
Thailand Illness Risks
◊ Risk of Gastroenteritis – HIGH
◊ Risk of Mosquito borne illnesses – HIGH
◊ Risk of Rabies – YES
◊ Malaria – PRESENT in some parts of Thailand
GENERAL PRE-TRAVEL CARE:
◊ You should be up to date with Tetanus Vaccine
◊ Consider taking an adequate first-aid / medical kit in the event of sickness whilst overseas
Topics to discuss with doctor
GASTROENTERITIS:
◊ Water = tap water is unsafe – read our Blog on Contaminated Water to learn about safe water supplies
◊ Vaccines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid
◊ Hand sanitiser, see our diarrhoea blog for details
RISK OF MOSQUITO BORNE ILLNESSES:
◊ Take tropical strength repellent and follow mosquito precautions – view our Blog on Mosquito borne diseases.
◊ Tablets to reduce the chance of malaria – Antimalarial Medication
◊ Vaccine for Japanese Encephalitis
CONSIDER VACCINATIONS FOR:
◊ Rabies, Tetanus, Influenza, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella & Pertussis.
RISK OF RABIES:
◊ Avoid contact with dogs (and other land mammals such as monkeys and bats), if bitten/scratched seek medical care urgently (see Rabies blog)
Kenya
Kenya is located in East Africa with a coastline on the Indian Ocean and is home to wildlife such as lions, elephants and rhinoceros. Safaris are popular, visiting the Maasai Mara Reserve and Amboseli National Park.
Kenya Illness Risks
◊ Risk of Gastroenteritis – HIGH
◊ Risk of Mosquito borne illnesses – HIGH
◊ Risk of Rabies – YES
◊ Risk of Yellow Fever – YES
◊ Meningococcal Meningitis – POSSIBLE
◊ Malaria – PRESENT
REQUIRED VACCINATION
◊ Vaccination for Yellow Fever
GENERAL PRE-TRAVEL CARE:
◊ You should be up to date with Tetanus Vaccine
◊ Consider taking an adequate first-aid / medical kit in the event of sickness whilst overseas
Topics to discuss with doctor
GASTROENTERITIS:
◊ Water = tap water is unsafe – read our Blog on Contaminated Water to learn about safe water supplies
◊ Vaccines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid
◊ Hand sanitiser, see diarrhoea blog for details
RISK OF MOSQUITO BORNE ILLNESSES:
◊ Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required
◊ Take tropical strength repellent and follow mosquito precautions – view our Blog on Mosquito borne diseases.
◊ Tablets to reduce the chance of malaria – Antimalarial Medication
CONSIDER VACCINATIONS FOR:
◊ Rabies, Tetanus, Influenza, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella & Pertussis.
◊ You may require vaccine for Meningococcal Meningitis
RISK OF RABIES:
◊ Avoid contact with dogs (and other land mammals such as monkeys and bats), if bitten/scratched seek medical care urgently (see Rabies blog)
Maldives
Officially the Republic of Maldives, this small country is located in South Asia, in the Arabian Sea of the Indian Ocean.
Maldives Illness Risks
◊ Risk of Gastroenteritis – MODERATE
◊ Risk of Mosquito borne illnesses – HIGH
◊ Risk of Rabies – POSSIBLE
◊ Malaria – NOT PRESENT
GENERAL PRE-TRAVEL CARE:
◊ You should be up to date with Tetanus Vaccine
◊ Consider taking an adequate first-aid / medical kit in the event of sickness whilst overseas
Topics to discuss with doctor
GASTROENTERITIS:
◊ Water = tap water is unsafe – read our Blog on Contaminated Water to learn about safe water supplies
◊ Vaccines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid
◊ Hand sanitiser, see our diarrhoea blog for details
RISK OF MOSQUITO BORNE ILLNESSES:
◊ Take tropical strength repellent and follow mosquito precautions – view our Blog on Mosquito borne diseases.
CONSIDER VACCINATIONS FOR:
◊ Rabies, Tetanus, Influenza, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella & Pertussis.
RISK OF RABIES:
◊ Avoid contact with bats, if bitten/scratched seek medical care urgently (see Rabies blog)
Fiji
Fiji is located in the South Pacific and has more than 300 islands. Fiji is famed for its coral reefs with clear lagoons, palm-lined beaches and rugged landscapes.
Fiji Illness Risks
◊ Risk of Gastroenteritis – MODERATE
◊ Risk of Mosquito borne illnesses – HIGH
◊ Risk of Rabies – POSSIBLE
◊ Malaria – NOT PRESENT
GENERAL PRE-TRAVEL CARE:
◊ You should be up to date with Tetanus Vaccine
◊ Consider taking an adequate first-aid / medical kit in the event of sickness whilst overseas
Topics to discuss with doctor
GASTROENTERITIS:
◊ Water = tap water is unsafe – read our Blog on Contaminated Water to learn about safe water supplies
◊ Vaccines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid
◊ Hand sanitiser, see our diarrhoea blog for details
RISK OF MOSQUITO BORNE ILLNESSES:
◊ Take tropical strength repellent and follow mosquito precautions – view our Blog on Mosquito borne diseases.
CONSIDER VACCINATIONS FOR:
◊ Rabies, Tetanus, Influenza, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella & Pertussis.
RISK OF RABIES:
◊ Avoid contact with bats, if bitten/scratched seek medical care urgently (see Rabies blog)
Vanuatu
Vanuatu is located in the South Pacific Ocean and made up of approximately 80 islands stretching 1,300 klm.
Vanuatu Illness Risks
◊ Risk of Gastroenteritis – MODERATE
◊ Risk of Mosquito borne illnesses – HIGH
◊ Risk of Rabies – POSSIBLE
◊ Malaria – PRESENT
GENERAL PRE-TRAVEL CARE:
◊ You should be up to date with Tetanus Vaccine
◊ Consider taking an adequate first-aid / medical kit in the event of sickness whilst overseas
Topics to discuss with doctor
GASTROENTERITIS:
◊ Water = tap water is unsafe – read our Blog on Contaminated Water to learn about safe water supplies
◊ Vaccines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid
◊ Hand sanitiser, see our diarrhoea blog for details
RISK OF MOSQUITO BORNE ILLNESSES:
◊ Take tropical strength repellent and follow mosquito precautions – view our Blog on Mosquito borne diseases.
◊ Tablets to reduce the chance of malaria – Antimalarial Medication
CONSIDER VACCINATIONS FOR:
◊ Rabies, Tetanus, Influenza, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella & Pertussis.
RISK OF RABIES:
◊ Avoid contact with bats, if bitten/scratched seek medical care urgently (see Rabies blog)
Peru (including Inca Trail)
Peru is located in South America and is home to a section of the Amazon rainforest and Machu Picchu. The region around Machu Picchu includes the Sacred Valley, Inca Trail and colonial city of Cusco.
Peru Illness Risks
◊ Risk of Gastroenteritis – HIGH
◊ Risk of Mosquito borne illnesses – HIGH
◊ Risk of Rabies – YES
◊ Risk of Yellow Fever – YES
◊ Risk of Altitude Illness
◊ Malaria – PRESENT in some areas of Peru
REQUIRED VACCINATION
◊ Vaccination for Yellow Fever
GENERAL PRE-TRAVEL CARE:
◊ You should be up to date with Tetanus Vaccine
◊ Consider taking an adequate first-aid / medical kit in the event of sickness whilst overseas
Topics to discuss with doctor
GASTROENTERITIS:
◊ Water = tap water is unsafe – read our Blog on Contaminated Water to learn about safe water supplies
◊ Vaccines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid
◊ Hand sanitiser, see our diarrhoea blog for details
RISK OF MOSQUITO BORNE ILLNESSES:
◊ Vaccination for Yellow Fever is required
◊ Take tropical strength repellent and follow mosquito precautions – view our Blog on Mosquito borne diseases.
◊ Tablets to reduce the chance of malaria – Antimalarial Medication
CONSIDER VACCINATIONS FOR:
◊ Rabies, Tetanus, Influenza, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella & Pertussis.
**You may require tablets to reduce chance of Altitude Illness if travelling to altitude**
RISK OF RABIES:
◊ Avoid contact with dogs (and other land mammals and bats), if bitten/scratched seek medical care urgently (see Rabies blog)
India
India is located in South Asia and is the seventh-largest country by area and the second most populated country in the world.
India Illness Risks
◊ Risk of Gastroenteritis – HIGH
◊ Risk of Mosquito borne illnesses – HIGH
◊ Risk of Rabies – YES
◊ Malaria – PRESENT in some parts of India
GENERAL PRE-TRAVEL CARE:
◊ You should be up to date with Tetanus Vaccine
◊ Consider taking an adequate first-aid / medical kit in the event of sickness whilst overseas
Topics to discuss with doctor
GASTROENTERITIS:
◊ Water = tap water is unsafe – read our Blog on Contaminated Water to learn about safe water supplies
◊ Vaccines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid
◊ Hand sanitiser, see our diarrhoea blog for details
RISK OF MOSQUITO BORNE ILLNESSES:
◊ Take tropical strength repellent and follow mosquito precautions – view our Blog on Mosquito borne diseases.
◊ Tablets to reduce the chance of malaria – Antimalarial Medication
◊ Vaccine for Japanese Encephalitis
CONSIDER VACCINATIONS FOR:
◊ Rabies, Tetanus, Influenza, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella & Pertussis.
RISK OF RABIES:
◊ Avoid contact with dogs (and other land mammals such as monkeys and bats), if bitten/scratched seek medical care urgently (see Rabies blog)
Nepal (Including Himalaya Trekking)
Nepal is located between India and Tibet and is known for its temples and the Himalayan mountains, including Mt Everest.
Nepal Illness Risks
◊ Risk of Gastroenteritis – HIGH
◊ Risk of Mosquito borne illnesses – HIGH in low areas
◊ Risk of Rabies – YES
◊ Risk of Altitude Illness
◊ Malaria – PRESENT in some parts of Nepal
GENERAL PRE-TRAVEL CARE:
◊ You should be up to date with Tetanus Vaccine
◊ Consider taking an adequate first-aid / medical kit in the event of sickness whilst overseas
Topics to discuss with doctor
GASTROENTERITIS:
◊ Water = tap water is unsafe – read our Blog on Contaminated Water to learn about safe water supplies
◊ Vaccines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid
◊ Hand sanitiser, see our diarrhoea blog for details
RISK OF MOSQUITO BORNE ILLNESSES:
◊ Take tropical strength repellent and follow mosquito precautions – view our Blog on Mosquito borne diseases.
◊ Tablets to reduce the chance of malaria – Antimalarial Medication
◊ Vaccine for Japanese Encephalitis
CONSIDER VACCINATIONS FOR:
◊ Rabies, Tetanus, Influenza, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella & Pertussis.
**You may require tablets to reduce chance of Altitude Illness if travelling to altitude**
RISK OF RABIES:
◊ Avoid contact with dogs (and other land mammals and bats), if bitten/scratched seek medical care urgently (see Rabies blog)
Southern Africa
Southern Africa is located in the southernmost region of the continent and includes several countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana & Zimbabwe
Southern Africa Illness Risks
◊ Risk of Gastroenteritis – HIGH
◊ Risk of Mosquito borne illnesses – HIGH
◊ Risk of Rabies – YES
◊ Malaria – PRESENT in some areas
GENERAL PRE-TRAVEL CARE:
◊ You should be up to date with Tetanus Vaccine
◊ Malaria is present in some areas, Antimalarial Tablets may be recommended
◊ Consider taking an adequate first-aid / medical kit in the event of sickness whilst overseas
◊ Yellow Fever vaccination is generally not required. NB: if travelling through other Yellow Fever Countries it may be required
Topics to discuss with doctor
GASTROENTERITIS:
◊ Water = tap water is unsafe – read our Blog on Contaminated Water to learn about safe water supplies
◊ Vaccines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid
◊ Hand sanitiser, see our diarrhoea blog for details
RISK OF MOSQUITO BORNE ILLNESSES:
◊ Take tropical strength repellent and follow mosquito precautions – view our Blog on Mosquito borne diseases.
◊ Tablets to reduce the chance of malaria – Antimalarial Medication
CONSIDER VACCINATIONS FOR:
◊ Rabies, Tetanus, Influenza, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella & Pertussis.
RISK OF RABIES:
◊ Avoid contact with dogs (and other land mammals such as monkeys and bats), if bitten/scratched seek medical care urgently (see Rabies blog)
Vietnam
Vietnam is located on the South China Sea in Southeast Asia and known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas and bustling cities.
Vietnam Illness Risks
◊ Risk of Gastroenteritis – HIGH
◊ Risk of Mosquito borne illnesses – HIGH
◊ Risk of Rabies – YES
◊ Malaria – PRESENT in some parts of Vietnam
GENERAL PRE-TRAVEL CARE:
◊ You should be up to date with Tetanus Vaccine
◊ Malaria is present in some areas, Antimalarial Tablets may be recommended
◊ Consider taking an adequate first-aid / medical kit in the event of sickness whilst overseas
Topics to discuss with doctor
GASTROENTERITIS:
◊ Water = tap water is unsafe – read our Blog on Contaminated Water to learn about safe water supplies
◊ Vaccines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid
◊ Hand sanitiser, see our diarrhoea blog for details
RISK OF MOSQUITO BORNE ILLNESSES:
◊ Take tropical strength repellent and follow mosquito precautions – view our Blog on Mosquito borne diseases.
◊ Tablets to reduce the chance of malaria – Antimalarial Medication
◊ You may require the Vaccine for Japanese Encephalitis
CONSIDER VACCINATIONS FOR:
◊ Rabies, Tetanus, Influenza, Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella & Pertussis.
RISK OF RABIES:
◊ Avoid contact with dogs (and other land mammals such as monkeys and bats), if bitten/scratched seek medical care urgently (see Rabies blog)
Dr Olga’s BLOG
Rabies! Once symptoms develop, almost always 100% fatal
Rabies is a terrible viral infection acquired when an animal with rabies bites/scratches you. Once rabies has entered your body it travels to and attacks your nervous system. It may take days to years but people infected with rabies have a mortality rate close to 100%. Luckily in Australia we do not have rabies, except […]
Travelling with children – 8 Hidden dangers your child may face
An appointment with the doctor is just as important for your children if they are travelling overseas. Just like adults, children are at risk of travel related infections, medical problems and injury. Below is a list of helpful tips to help keep your child safe on your next trip Some travel related diseases /problems are […]
Personal safety – how to avoid becoming a statistic
Many Australians travel overseas to relax. They let down their guard and fall victim to opportunistic crime. Personal safety and security is important. Below are some tips to consider to improve your safety. Plan ahead in the case of emergencies. Do you know the local emergency number? Do you know the address where you are […]
8 tips to reduce your chance of mosquito borne diseases
Mosquito borne diseases can spoil your holiday and in some cases lead to hospitalisation, and even death. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO, 2014) over a million people worldwide die each year from diseases acquired from mosquito bites. As travellers there are many mosquito borne diseases we are exposed to, especially if we travel […]
6 vital steps for transporting your medication overseas
Unknowingly buying counterfeit medication overseas is becoming more frequent (with time). Unfortunately such a purchase could lead to health risks and on occasion could be fatal. The quality of overseas medication cannot be assured. They may contain toxic contaminants, the wrong medications or wrong doses. Medications bought in Australia are highly regulated and have a […]
Contaminated water & how to avoid the risks while travelling
Contaminated water can cause vomiting and diarrhoea whilst overseas. Often the water looks okay but it may be full of germs/chemicals which can make you ill. There are many ways you can minimise your risk. If you are not 100% sure the water supply is safe it is best to avoid local tap water. This […]
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Disclaimer: The information on the Shepparton Travel Clinic website has been prepared for general information purpose only. It is not intended to be relied on as a substitute for professional medical advice. No person should act, fail to act, disregard professional medical advice, or delay seeking professional medical advice on the basis of this material. Shepparton Travel Clinic does not guarantee the accuracy, currency or completeness of any of this information and will not be liable for any loss, damage or injury directly or indirectly caused by this material or its use.