Australians who made recent trips to Bali have warned other travellers to be careful when visiting the popular island destination amid a rise in cases of dengue fever.
“Go to Bali they said, it will be fun they said,” one traveller said on social media.
“First 10 days I didn’t see one mosquito or get bitten.
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“Apparently I did though, as I have tested positive for dengue fever.
“I know it’s quite common lately.”
The woman shared she was in a hospital in Ubud and struggling to get her temperature below 39C.
“Keeping it down is proving to be difficult,” she said. “I have been between 39C and 40C for over 40 hours.
“Fifth time in Bali with no dramas until now. Thank goodness for insurance.
“I will have blood tests every day for the next week or maybe twice a day.
“Two weeks left. Here is hoping to a quick recovery so I can enjoy my holiday.”
Another traveller said they had travelled to Bali in March and caught dengue fever on their 30th birthday.
“It was horrific,” they said.
“(I) don’t wish it upon anybody.
“The worst part is the fever and body aches and pains.”
Dengue occurs throughout Indonesia, including Bali, Jakarta and other major cities.
“Dengue fever is common during the rainy season in Indonesia,” a Department Of Foreign Affairs And Trade spokesperson said.
There has been an increase in reported cases of dengue infections from travellers returning to Australia from Bali in recent years, the spokesperson confirmed.
“The best way to prevent dengue fever is to avoid being bitten by mosquitos.
“The government encourages all travellers to read the travel advice for Indonesia on SmartTraveller before they travel, as well as advice on infectious diseases and dengue.”
What is dengue fever?
“Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes,” the World Health Organisation (WHO) said.
Experts warn people can carry the virus without presenting any symptoms, or may only experience mild illness.
However, dengue fever can cause severe illness and can be fatal.
Symptoms of dengue fever include a high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands and/or a rash.
Severe symptoms often come after the fever has gone away and can include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums or nose, fatigue, restlessness, blood in vomit or stool, being very thirsty, pale and cold skin and feeling weak.
“There is no specific treatment for dengue/severe dengue, and early detection and access to proper medical care greatly lower fatality rates of severe dengue,” WHO said.