Prevention when travelling

Protect yourself against mosquito bites while travelling to reduce the risk of bringing mosquito borne diseases home with you.

Before travelling overseas seek medical advice regarding appropriate vaccinations and malaria prevention medication as you could be at risk of exotic mosquito borne diseases.

  • You can be vaccinated against yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis.
  • Seek medical advice regarding the possible need for malaria prophylaxis.

No vaccines are available for:

  • Malaria
  • Dengue fever
  • Chikungunya virus
  • Zika virus.

Find out more about specific diseases.

Find information about travelling overseas on the Smartraveller website.

When travelling overseas

It is important to protect yourself from mosquito bites when travelling overseas. The best way to do this is:

  • Choosing screened or air-conditioned holiday accommodation, especially in tropical areas. If camping, sleep under a mosquito net and zip up tents whenever possible.
  • Wearing a good repellent (containing DEET or Picaridin), particularly during daylight hours when the dengue mosquito is most active.
  • Wearing long, light coloured, loose clothing to help protect yourself from bites, when possible.

For tourists visiting north Queensland

If you are a tourist visiting north Queensland, and you want information about dengue please call 13 HEALTH for advice, this is a free call.