Some diseases spread by mosquito bites cannot be treated and may produce long term problems or death.
travel health
Jet lag: how to avoid it
Spending a few hours travelling by air can make you feel low, tired and lethargic. This is called jet lag.
Typhoid
Typhoid fever is an infection caused by Salmonella typhi. Most cases in Australia occur in travellers returning from developing countries.
Malaria overview
Malaria is a serious mosquito-borne disease that is caused by a parasitic infection of the red blood cells.
Dengue fever
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical areas, including north Queensland. Most people recover fully, but the severe form – dengue haemorrhagic fever – can be fatal.
Vaccination and antibodies
See how vaccines prepare your immune system to fight disease by taking advantage of the fact that the immune system can remember infectious organisms.
Travellers’ diarrhoea
Contaminated food and drink are the major sources of travellers’ diarrhoea. High-risk regions for an attack include the majority of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Mexico, Central and South America.
Ross River virus
Ross River virus infection is spread by the bites of infected female mosquitoes. Most sufferers will have a sudden onset of flu-like symptoms that often include painful joints.
Listeria risk in pregnancy
Listeria bacteria can cause serious problems during pregnancy. Listeria can be transmitted by eating contaminated food, but there are steps you can take to avoid infection.
Altitude sickness
Most people can ascend to a level of 2000 metres in one day without getting sick. Acute mountain sickness is the mildest form of altitude sickness, but can develop into more dangerous forms of altitude sickness.