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EXPATRIATES AND TRAVELERS AUSTRALIA

Healthcare and travel HCCMIS - Intelliguide AUSTRALIA

Expatriates in Australia - Working-Holiday

Healthcare in Australia

Diseases
Several mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever, Ross River fever and Murray Valley encephalitis, have been reported in the Northern Territory, Northern Queensland and northern Western Australia. Strict precautions against mosquito bites in these regions are essential as there is no vaccine or cure for these diseases. The dengue epidemic has been particularly severe in 2009.

Health authorities in Western Australia have warned of a rare mosquito-borne disease called Kunjin virus that can cause symptoms similar to Ross River virus, but in severe cases can lead to fever and coma; doctors said the virus is most likely to affect newcomers to the region.

Passengers arriving at airports and seaports are required to complete a SARS Health Information Card.

Australia has had no recorded cases of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, but health authorities have a strict plan to deal with the disease if need be--this includes the possibility of holding arriving airline passengers in quarantine in aircraft hangars for six days.

Scientists warned recently that Australia faces a major public-health problem as drug-resistant staphylococcus/MRSA, called golden staph in Australia, spreads. Golden staph has been a problem in many large hospitals for some years, but new research shows community-based strains are causing infections in people who have had no contact with hospitals.
Mosquitoes carry many serious illnesses, including dengue fever, malaria and West Nile virus. To prevent bites and avoid infection, reduce the amount of exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes when you're outdoors. Use insect repellent containing deet on exposed skin. Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn, the time when mosquitoes are most active.

Travel Precautions

No matter how safe you perceive a destination to be, it's important to use good judgment.

Pay attention to local media.
Avoid open displays of wealth, jewelry or other valuables. Safeguard travel documents such as passports and airline tickets.
Avoid confrontations with locals.
Avoid demonstrations and protests, especially if they appear political in nature.
Don't permit people you don't know to enter your accommodations. Keep your door locked. Don't leave valuables in your room unless they can be locked in a safe.
Avoid illegal drugs, and don't drink alcohol if its use is prohibited. Even if drinking is legal, don't overindulge.
Be cautious of unsolicited offers of assistance from strangers.

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