Australian govt warns nationals in RP vs mosquito-borne diseases

MANILA, Philippines - Australian nationals in the Philippines were advised Tuesday to take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, filariasis and Japanese encephalitis. In a travel advisory updated Tuesday, the Australian embassy warned that malaria remains endemic in many rural areas in the country, and noted that there has been a recent rise in dengue cases in Manila and nearby provinces. "Malaria is endemic in many provincial regions of the Philippines but does not affect the capital Manila. Dengue fever has been on the rise in Manila and neighboring provinces along with outbreaks of other mosquito-borne diseases (including Japanese encephalitis and filariasis) in many areas particularly during the rainy season between June and November. We encourage you to take prophylaxis against malaria where necessary and take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent at all times," the embassy said. The embassy's advisory came on the heels of state weather forecasters' extended forecasts indicating rainy weather in many parts of the country leading to New Year's Day. In its travel advisory, the Australian embassy also said a Japanese encephalitis vaccine registered for use in Australia is now unavailable, but a non-registered vaccine is available for purchase by travelers. This can be bought through their travel clinics under a "Special Access Scheme" of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Australia said its Department of Health and Ageing is working with vaccine suppliers to ensure a registered vaccine can be supplied in Australia as soon as possible. On the other hand, it also warned against water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, tuberculosis, measles, meningitis and rabies), which it said are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. Decompression chambers are located in Manila, Cebu, Batangas, Subic and Palawan, it said. "We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Do not swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to certain water-borne diseases such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis) and leptospirosis. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea. Ciguatera poisoning from eating reef fish can be a hazard," it said. It also advised its residents to avoid temporary "black henna" tattoos as they often contain a dye which can cause serious skin reactions. The embassy said medical facilities in the Philippines are adequate in major cities but are very limited in provincial regions and remote islands. On the other hand, it said major private hospitals, particularly in Metro Manila, are well-equipped and internationally accredited but will require up-front payment or guarantee of payment. "In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with the required facilities may be necessary. Medical evacuation costs could be considerable," it said. Meanwhile, Australia maintained its advice to its nationals to exercise a high degree of caution in the Philippines because of the high threat of terrorist attacks. It said attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in the Philippines, including in Manila. "We continue to receive credible reports indicating terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets in a variety of locations, including places frequented by foreigners. If you do decide to travel to the Philippines, you should exercise extreme vigilance," it said. It also strongly advised nationals not to travel to Mindanao, including mainland Mindanao, the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago, due to the very high threat of terrorist attack. This may include kidnapping, and related counter-terrorism operations, it said. "Attacks have occurred throughout central Mindanao in November and early December 2008, against military and civilian targets. Further attacks cannot be ruled out. If you are in these areas, you should consider leaving," it said. - GMANews.TV