Some Diseases found within Australia

The following are some of the diseases that are found in Australia plus information on the probability if contracting them during your travel.

Bat lyssavirus: This is a rabies related disease which can cause death. The people most susceptible to it are the vets as well as animal handlers. Although the vaccine against rabies is very effective, the risk posed to travelers is quite low.

Dengue fever: It is prevalent from October to March when it is usually wet in the northern Queens land. The other name for this disease is ‘break bone fever’. This is a viral disease spread by a type of mosquito that feeds during the day. It is characterized by severe pains in the muscles and most people recover very quickly in just a few days. There is a severe form of dengue fever though especially to those who are exposed to a different viral strain during a different season.

Giardiasis: This is a water borne disease common in the waterways. It is contracted by drinking of untreated water.  It is always advisable to filter water or use iodine to treat water. The symptoms include a bloated stomach, smelly diarrhea and wind. Giardiasis can be effectively treated.

Hepatitis C:  This disease mainly affects drug users who share needles to inject themselves. Blood transfusion does not offer any threat as the blood is screened fully before it is transfused to anyone.

HIV: The rates of the human immunodeficiency virus are stable and are equally to those in other countries in the west.

Malaria: The risk of travelers contracting Malaria is very minimal. There are a few isolated cases that have occurred in northern Queensland.

Meningococcal disease: This is a worldwide disease and becomes a risk especially to those living in a dormitory like accommodation. For some kinds of these diseases such as the A, C, W, and Y, there is a vaccine. However no vaccine exists for viral meningitis.

Ross river fever: This is a disease that is spread by mosquitoes around marshy areas. It is found throughout Australia. Some of the symptoms of the disease include:

• A headache,
• A fever,
• Pain in the muscles and joints as well,
• The presence of a Rash.

The Ross river fever usually resolves in five to seven days.



Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).

The prevalence of such diseases is equal to the rates found in many western countries. The symptoms that are most common include:

• Pain experienced when passing urine.
• A discharge from the reproductive organs.

Infection though may be present even without any symptoms. It is advisable therefore to be screened after exposure by having unprotected sex especially with a new person.

Sexual health medical clinics are present country wide in all major hospitals. Protected sex is advised especially when relating with a new partner. You can acquire condoms from any chemist, in most public places for example the toilets and also from vending machines.

Tick Typhus

This disease is most prevalent in the New South Wales State and Queensland although there have been reports from all around Australia. The symptoms to look out for are:

• The darkening of the skin around the bite usually a week after the bite.
• Development of a rash.
• Headache.
• Inflammation of the Lymph Nodes.
• Fever.

The disease is treated by administration of antibiotics that can be prescribed by a doctor.

Viral Encephalitis

This disease is also referred to as the Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus. It is mostly found in northern Australia spread by mosquitoes during the rainy season. This is a disease that can be dangerous as it can cause residual neurological damage.
The symptoms include:

• Muscle pains
• Headache
• Sensitivity to light

Currently there is no specified treatment for this disease even though the risk to travellers is relatively low.

Travellers’ Diarrhoea

The tapped water in Australia is generally safe. Water other than this should first be treated by boiling or using iodine tablets so as to prevent the occurrence of travellers’ diarrhoea as well as Giardia. In case you suffer diarrhoea, you should take in lots of fluids to prevent dehydration. To make the fluids more effective an oral solution that contains a lot of sugar and salt should be taken. If you have more than four loose stools a day then you should start taking some antibiotics and anti- diarrheal tablets. Medical assistance should be sought if the diarrhoea becomes bloody and lasts for more than three days. Also seek a doctors advice if you have shaking chills, sever abdominal pain, or fever.