Thursday 23 June 2016

Visitors are warned to avoid traveling to Indonesia


Visitors are being warned against traveling to Indonesia including Bali after the mosquito-borne Zika virus has been found there. Indonesia is experiencing sporadic transmission of the virus, according to Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
'Given the possibility that Zika virus can cause severe malformations in unborn babies, and taking a very cautious approach, pregnant women should discuss any travel plans with their travel doctor and consider postponing travel to Indonesia,' the advice reads.
The advice does note that most people who become infected with the virus do not show any symptoms.
'Only one in five people who get it will feel sick, usually for a few days.
'In some cases, Zika infection can cause fever, rash, severe headache, joint pain, and muscle or bone pain.
'Illness from Zika is usually not severe and does not require hospitalization.
The virus might cause severe malformations in unborn babies and immune system disorders.
'There are also concerns that in rare instances Zika infection can lead to Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a serious immune system disorder.
'There is new evidence that links Zika infection in pregnant women to causing birth defects, including microcephaly in babies.
'In addition, latest evidence suggests that in rare circumstances, the virus can be spread through sexual transmission,' the advice read.
There is no specific treatment to the virus and tests for it in developing countries are not easily available.
The virus is currently active in 49 countries according to the Australian Government's Department of Health. Of these countries 15 have a sporadic or limited outbreak including Indonesia. As the virus is now thought to be sexually transmittable men who contract it are advised to practice safe-sex for six months after they become infected.

2 comments:

  1. The western world doesnt know what they are in for with this Zika

    ReplyDelete
  2. maybe i should just spend my holiday in the comfort of my room...sic

    ReplyDelete