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In the News.

  • Dr Bob Kass
  • September 4, 2026

What is "airport" or "luggage" malaria? Is this real or just fake news?

Six baggage handlers at Frankfurt Airport have been diagnosed with malaria, most likely from a mosquito that arrived on an aircraft from Africa. Dr Bob Kass looks at what airport and luggage malaria is, why it is so often misdiagnosed, and how Australia keeps mosquitoes off inbound flights.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • August 28, 2026

Travel alert issued for Zika virus disease in Bali, Indonesia. How should this be interpreted?

The US CDC has issued a Level 2 travel alert for Zika virus disease in Bali. Dr Bob Kass explains what the alert means for Australian travellers, and who needs to take particular care.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • August 17, 2026

West Nile Virus Disease in Europe, 2026. Newly affected areas identified

The ECDC has reported 429 locally acquired cases of West Nile virus infection across nine European countries in 2026, with Italy and Greece carrying the majority. Here is what travellers need to know about the risk and how to protect themselves.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • July 31, 2026

Measles in the United States - time for a red card?

US measles cases have passed 2,300 for 2026, exceeding last year's full-year total. Dr Bob Kass asks whether the United States should lose its measles-free status, and what Australian travellers need to know about their own measles immunisation.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • July 23, 2026

RSV vaccination - a success story worth celebrating

Social media is full of negativity about vaccines, so it is worth applauding a success story when one comes along. Dr Bob Kass on Australia's RSV program, and why it is common sense for carers and travellers.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • July 14, 2026

Surge in Japanese encephalitis cases in Assam, India

Deaths from a Japanese encephalitis outbreak in Assam have tripled in two weeks. We look at why the region is high risk and what it means for travellers.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • July 6, 2026

Rabies deaths are always tragic. They are also preventable

The rabies death of a child in northern Ontario, after a bat landed on his face while he slept, is a reminder that animal exposures are not always obvious, and that prompt action after any exposure saves lives.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • June 22, 2026

Measles in the United States. Falling vaccination rates are a major concern.

The United States coverage rates for kindergarten age children has now fallen below the desired target of 95%. Larger drops are being experienced in some communities around the country. Australia's coverage is also falling.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • June 15, 2026

Climate changes everything. The risk of mosquito-borne disease in northern Australia during the 2026 “dry season”

WA Health has confirmed a death from Murray Valley Encephalitis in the West Kimberley as the region heads into peak tourist season. With a record wet season behind it, mosquito-borne disease risk is elevated and travellers should take extra care.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • June 5, 2026

The FIFA World Cup is a mass gathering event. Prepare well for memories, not regrets.

The largest World Cup yet runs across sixteen cities with very different conditions. What Australian travellers should plan for before they go, from measles and vaccinations to travel insurance.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • June 4, 2026

From the tropics to Europe: how vector-borne disease is spreading

In May 2026, One Health (UK) published its first vector-borne disease surveillance report. It is important reading for travel health providers, and it helps quantify the risk of diseases like dengue, chikungunya and malaria for travellers.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • May 27, 2026

Diphtheria in Australia. Vaccination rates are only one consideration.

Australia has confirmed 221 diphtheria cases in 2026 across four states despite high immunisation rates. Dr Bob Kass discusses why vaccination rates are only one factor and what travellers should consider.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • May 19, 2026

Ebola outbreak in the DRC: why WHO has upped the ante

Dr Bob Kass on the WHO Public Health Emergency declaration for the DRC Ebola outbreak - the Bundibugyo strain, the risk to East Africa, and what it means for travellers.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • May 16, 2026

More firepower in our fight against Dengue Fever. Is the new vaccine Qdenga a game changer?

The TGA has just given Qdenga the green light for Australia - a new vaccine in the fight against dengue fever. We take a look at what the approval actually means, how the vaccine works and when Australian travellers might realistically be able to get it.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • May 9, 2026

What should our public health messages be on the hantavirus cruise outbreak?

Dr Bob Kass on the public health story behind the cruise ship hantavirus headlines: WHO's role, what Argentina's 2018 outbreak teaches us and why pandemic potential is not the concern here.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • May 5, 2026

Another strange case of hantavirus on a cruise ship: don't jump to conclusions

Three deaths and a confirmed hantavirus case on a polar expedition cruise ship sailing from Argentina to Cape Verde. Dr Bob Kass on what we know so far and why person-to-person transmission is the key question.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • April 28, 2026

La Niña flooding raises Rift Valley fever risk across East Africa

Above average rainfall is predicted during April and May in East Africa this year, bringing a higher risk of Rift Valley fever outbreaks. The FAO has triggered an early warning, with torrential rainfall already experienced in southern Kenya, Tanzania and South Sudan.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • April 19, 2026

Free RSV vaccine for Australians over 75 from May 2026 - welcome news for older travellers

From 15 May the RSV vaccine will be free under the National Immunisation Program for all Australians over 75. Dr Bob Kass explains what the change means for older travellers.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • April 13, 2026

Poliovirus detected in London sewage - why vigilance still matters

Vaccine-derived poliovirus has been detected twice in London sewage in 2026. We look at what sewage surveillance picks up and why high vaccination rates still matter.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • April 13, 2026

Meningococcal B outbreak at the University of Kent - Lessons for Australia

A meningococcal B outbreak at Kent University has caused two deaths and prompted mass vaccination. What does it mean for Australian travellers?

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • April 7, 2026

Diphtheria cases in the NT 2026 - Hasn't this been eradicated in Australia?

Four cases of respiratory diphtheria have been notified in the Northern Territory.  There have been two cases in Darwin and two in Alice Springs. An alert was issued 25 March 2026.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • March 30, 2026

Yellow Fever in the Americas - A Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Update for 2026

Yellow fever cases are increasing across the Americas, with high mortality and wider spread, reinforcing the need for vaccination and public health measures.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • March 17, 2026

Dengue Fever Outbreak in Timor-Leste

Over 2,000 dengue cases were reported in Timor-Leste in February 2026, with flooding and the rainy season increasing mosquito breeding. Discover the risk areas, prevention...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • March 9, 2026

Ciguatera fish poisoning reported in Vanuatu.

Ciguatera poisoning remains an underreported foodborne illness in tropical regions. This article discusses the recent Vanuatu outbreak, clinical features, environmental...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • March 1, 2026

Malaria cases in Sumatra - Location matters when assessing travel risk

Malaria cases continue to be reported in the Rokan Hilir regency of the Province of Riau (central east Sumatra). The outbreak was declared an emergency in 2024...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • February 23, 2026

Cases of invasive meningitis suspected in Northern Ghana…..but it’s not just Africa.

Cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) have been identified in northern Ghana’s Savannah region, part of Africa’s high-risk “meningitis belt,” where dry seasonal winds may contribute to outbreaks.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • February 16, 2026

A cluster of typhoid cases in Tonga

Three cases of typhoid have been confirmed in the village of Hofoa, Tonga.  According to the Ministry of Health, transmission is localised to 2 family groups and contact tracing is ongoing. 

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • February 9, 2026

China’s 2025 Rabies Update - The Challenge of Reaching Zero

China reports an increase in rabies cases for 2025, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and the golden rule to avoid all contact with animals while travelling.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • January 29, 2026

Nipah virus notifications in West Bengal, India. Be aware but not alarmed.

Two cases of Nipah virus infection have been reported in West Bengal, India, raising public health concerns due to the virus’s high fatality rate and potential human-to-human transmission.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • January 27, 2026

Japanese Encephalitis in Australia - our season of risk and areas of concern.

Health warnings have been issued after Japanese encephalitis was detected in sentinel chickens and a probable human case in southern NSW. Find out where the risk areas are, who is most vulnerable, and how to protect yourself from this serious mosquito-borne disease.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • January 18, 2026

Colombia records its first yellow fever death of 2026

Colombia is facing a yellow fever outbreak centered in Tolima, driven by low vaccination rates and forest-related transmission, posing serious risks to local communities and unvaccinated travellers.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • January 9, 2026

Travelling to Taiwan? Why you might lack immunity to Hepatitis A in this "safe" destination

Hepatitis A is resurging in places once considered low risk, with Taiwan reporting its highest case numbers in eight years. For travellers, declining population immunity means vaccination...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • December 30, 2025

Drug-Resistant Typhoid in South and Southeast Asia - Implications for travellers

Drug-Resistant Typhoid in a Returned Traveller A drug-resistant case of typhoid in a returned traveller to Germany. A letter to the CDC journal, Emerging Infectious Diseases..

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • December 26, 2025

Seasonal malaria peaks and travel risks in Sudan and South Sudan

Malaria cases are increasing in Sudan, with urban areas increasingly affected and health systems under pressure. Travellers, particularly those returning to visit family....

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • December 13, 2025

Influenza cases surge across Thailand

A wave of influenza is sweeping through Thailand, infecting more than 160,000 people and causing 100 deaths in just one month. The culprit - an aggressive H3N2...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • December 7, 2025

A trip down memory lane - why whooping cough deaths are re-emerging in 2025

Whooping cough is rising rapidly across the United States, with multiple infant deaths reported and case numbers surpassing pre pandemic levels...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • November 24, 2025

Wild Poliovirus Type 1 found in German sewage. What does this mean?

Germany’s sewage surveillance picked up traces of wild poliovirus from abroad, revealing how silent carriers can transport pathogens across borders without a single symptom...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • November 13, 2025

Canada loses its measles-free status

Canada has lost its measles elimination status, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced, following an outbreak that began in New Brunswick in October 2024 with over 5,000...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • November 7, 2025

Will Kenya’s new malaria forecasting model change travel health decisions?

The Kenyan meteorological department together with the Ministry of Health has developed an early warning system for epidemic malaria. The model focuses on temperature and rainfall...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • October 29, 2025

Hepatitis A outbreak continues in Czechia. The largest in over 40 years.

According to news reports, the number of cases of hepatitis A continues to rise in Czechia. A surge in cases was first reported in March this year and over 2000 cases have now been reported..

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • October 23, 2025

Jakarta moves to ban dog and cat meat amid rabies prevention efforts

According to news reports the butchering of dogs and cats for human meat consumption will soon be banned in Jakarta. The ban is welcomed by animal rights groups and sits well with the...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • October 14, 2025

Cases of Rift Valley Fever being reported in Senegal

As of October 8th,, 2025, 119 confirmed cases of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) have been reported by the Ministry of Health in Senegal. Most cases have come from the northern districts of Saint-Louis...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • October 8, 2025

Childhood influenza deaths in the United States over the 24/25 winter season

According to a report from CDC’s National Centre for Immunisation and Respiratory Diseases, 280 children died from influenza over a 12-month period to September 13, 2025, This report covers...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • September 29, 2025

A high number of Dengue fever cases in Bangladesh. Is this the new norm?

More than forty thousand cases of dengue fever have been reported in Bangladesh in 2025. Over eighty percent have occurred in the last three months (July to September). Hospital admission...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • September 23, 2025

Human Rabies Surveillance in Vietnam - Lessons for Pre-Travel Health Advice

Fifty-eight deaths due to rabies have been reported in Vietnam in 2025 (first 9 months). This is in line with previous years (82 in 2023 and 89 in 2024). Deaths due to rabies are often reported...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • September 10, 2025

New Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo

An outbreak of Ebola virus disease has been reported by WHO in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As of September 4, 2025, 28 suspected cases have been reported with 15 deaths...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • September 2, 2025

Measles surveillance in the Americas. Australian travellers should take note!

Measles outbreaks have been reported in 10 countries in the Americas region in 2025. According to PAHO (Pan American Health Organisation), 10, 139 cases of confirmed measles...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • August 25, 2025

Outbreak of West Nile Virus disease in Italy

According to a surveillance report from The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 202 locally acquired cases of West Nile virus infection have been reported...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • August 19, 2025

Protecting yourself from Oropouche virus while travelling

According to PAHO (Pan American Health Organisation), 12,786 cases of confirmed Oropouche have been notified in the Americas Region to August this year...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • August 9, 2025

Samoa faces severe dengue fever outbreak [2025 update]

According to media reports, the government of Western Samoa has closed schools to allow for the fumigation of mosquito breeding sites as a response to the dengue outbreak...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • August 4, 2025

Chikungunya in France - Local transmission detected in 2025

It is unusual to speak about the mosquito-borne disease, Chikungunya, in the context of France. The disease is usually associated with outbreaks of disease...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • July 28, 2025

Beyond vaccines - Addressing the most common travel health risks

Travel-related infections notified in England Vaccinations are generally the focus of a pretravel visit to a health professional. They are important...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • July 21, 2025

Plague still exists - A rare US death highlights ongoing global presence

Health officials in Coconino County, Arizona, have recently confirmed a fatal case of pneumonic plague. According to the report...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • July 14, 2025

Japanese Encephalitis-related deaths reported in Assam, India

Three more Japanese encephalitis-related deaths have been confirmed by health officials in Assam. A total of 14...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • July 5, 2025

Time to reconsider Hepatitis A vaccination for travellers in 2025?

Increased cases of Hepatitis A in several European countries. A higher-than-expected number of cases of hepatitis A have been reported in several European countries..

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • June 30, 2025

Singapore shows the way with surveillance of Zika virus disease.

According to the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) in Singapore, 2 recent cases of Zika virus disease have been reported in Singapore...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • June 21, 2025

Rabies risk when travelling - Don’t delay medical attention after exposure

The UK Health Security Agency has recently reported (June 18, 2025) the death of a British traveller who had a stray dog exposure while travelling...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • June 10, 2025

State governments are serious about Australia’s ‘measles free’ status. Travellers must be too.

Australia’s "measles free" status under pressure State governments are taking Australia’s “measles free” status seriously...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • May 29, 2025

Increased reports of Dengue fever across the Pacific region

The Ministry of Health in the Cook Islands has officially declared an outbreak of dengue fever on Rarotonga, the largest island in the group...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • May 21, 2025

Sri Lanka sees increase in Dengue Fever cases (2026)

As of March 2nd, 2026, more than 13,000 cases of dengue fever have been reported in Sri Lanka this year. There have been four dengue related deaths. Weekly notifications exceed 1,500

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • May 19, 2025

Polio again identified in Papua New Guinea

According to health sources in Papua New Guinea, poliovirus type 2 has been detected in the stools of 2 healthy children...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • May 14, 2025

Is your triple antigen up to date? A question all travellers should consider

The triple antigen doesn’t receive a lot of attention as a “travel vaccine”. More exotic vaccines like typhoid, yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis receive far more..

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • May 5, 2025

Influenza is not the Common Cold - Don’t let it ruin your travel plans

Consider having the seasonal flu vaccination if travelling in 2025 Australia is about to enter its flu season (June to September)...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • April 29, 2025

Yellow Fever 2025 - Updated situation in South America - Pan American Health Report

One hundred and thirty-one cases have been notified in 4 countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia and Peru)...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • April 21, 2025

Another preventable measles death in Texas

According to news reports, another child has died from measles in the Texas outbreak. This brings to two the number...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • April 8, 2025

Northwestern Queensland is awash with water - just the right recipe for mosquito borne disease

The channel country of western Queensland has experienced one of the wettest periods since the 1974 floods. More than 600mm...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • March 28, 2025

Planning a camping trip in northern Europe? Don’t overlook tickborne disease

Europe is a popular spring and summer time destination for Australian travellers. While health concerns are rarely high on...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • March 21, 2025

A Chikungunya outbreak on Reunion Island

A rapid increase in the number of chikungunya cases has been reported on the island of Reunion since late February 2025...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • March 10, 2025

The strange case of a death from hantavirus in the United States

According to news reports, renowned pianist, Betsy Arakawa, the partner of Gene Hackman died from the complications of cardiopulmonary syndrome caused by an organism called hantavirus

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • March 4, 2025

Measles risk in unexpected places - what US & Canadian outbreaks mean for travellers

A total of 164 cases have been notified across 9 jurisdictions of the United States...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • February 26, 2025

Melioidosis outbreak in north Queensland following floods

94 cases of melioidosis have been reported to Queensland Health tor 2025 year to date (1 Jan – 23 February). This is more than 3 times the number of cases for the same period in 2024.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • February 22, 2025

Avoid Travel Disruptions – Ensure you have the correct yellow fever documentation

International health regulations are enforced for yellow fever. You've had a pleasant few days in Buenos Aires and are just about to board the plane

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • February 6, 2025

South Australian parliament says yes to community pharmacy providing travel vaccines

Travel immunisations such as hepatitis A and typhoid can now be accessed through community pharmacy in South Australia.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • January 27, 2025

New Yellow Fever regulations for travel to Costa Rica

In October 2024, the Ministry of Health in Costa Rica updated the geographic areas considered at risk of yellow fever...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • January 14, 2025

Human Metapneumovirus Virus Disease: WHO puts “Chinese outbreak reports” into perspective

In a world recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the last thing we need are unsubstantiated media reports on another virus...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • January 8, 2025

Hepatitis A outbreak in Cuba – why Australian travellers should consider vaccination

According to news reports, the Cuban Ministry of Public Health has issued a health alert regarding hepatitis A, a common viral disease...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • December 21, 2024

Mystery illness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo revealed

Health officials across the world have been monitoring an outbreak of an “unknown illness” in the DRC since...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • December 16, 2024

Waterparks and waterborne disease - A reminder for parents with small children.

In a very comprehensive recent publication (December 2024) on waterborne disease, CDC has outlined...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • December 4, 2024

Hepatitis A case linked to food handler in California

The recent report of a food handler with hepatitis A again highlights the importance of hepatitis A vaccination...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • November 28, 2024

Yellow Fever cases reported in Colombia's Tolima region

The Department of Health in Colombia has reported 12 cases of yellow fever in the department of Tolima. Tolima is in the Andean region of...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • November 22, 2024

Methanol poisoning and the risk to budget travellers

According to recent media reports, an Australian backpacker has died from the presumed effects of methanol poisoning. She had been on a...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • November 11, 2024

'Walking pneumonia’ surges in Japan - should travellers be concerned?

According to news reports, Japan is experiencing a major outbreak of ‘walking pneumonia’. More than 6,000 cases have been reported...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • October 29, 2024

Lassa Fever in Nigeria update

Lassa fever is still being reported in Nigeria, but the weekly numbers are much lower than earlier in the year...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • October 17, 2024

Marburg disease outbreak in Rwanda

An outbreak of Marburg disease has been reported by WHO in Rwanda. 58 cases and 13 deaths have been reported..

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • October 15, 2024

Brazil faces chikungunya cases as new vaccine gains approval in the US

According to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), chikungunya virus disease (CHIKVD) continues to cause...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • October 8, 2024

Measles Surveillance in Europe with Vaccination Recommendations

More than 18,000 cases of measles have been reported to the European Surveillance System..

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • September 30, 2024

Yellow Fever Surveillance Update in the Americas Region - August 2024

A yellow fever surveillance update has been provided by the Pan American...

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  • Mika Hiroi
  • September 23, 2024

Fake Pills, Real Risks – How to avoid counterfeit medications while travelling overseas

The global prevalence of counterfeit medical products is a growing concern, with international...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • September 16, 2024

Schistosomiasis awareness for travellers heading to southern Africa

A trip to Africa is on the bucket list for many. Travel itineraries can vary considerably as can...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • September 9, 2024

Understanding Sloth Fever - The viral disease behind recent headlines

“Sloth fever” or oropouche is a viral disease of Sloths and non-human primates and transmitted to...

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  • Mika Hiroi
  • September 2, 2024

Timor-Leste welcomes Pope Francis - Key health and safety advice for visitors

The upcoming 3-day visit of Pope Francis to Timor-Leste is expected to draw nearly 1 million...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • August 29, 2024

Avian Influenza Update - Assessing the current risk for humans

Much has been written about the risk of avian influenza exposure to humans.  It is currently a risk for...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • August 29, 2024

Measles cases increasing in Vietnam with shifting age groups

According to news reports, more than 100 cases have been reported in the week to August 11th...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • August 22, 2024

Polio returns to Gaza after 25 years

According to WHO sources, several wastewater samples were found to be positive...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • August 16, 2024

A surge in Mpox cases in Africa causes global concern

A rapid surge in Mpox cases in Africa has prompted WHO to declare a global...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • August 14, 2024

Is Legionnaires' disease a concern for travellers?

The outbreak of Legionnaires disease in Melbourne has attracted a great deal of media attention...

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  • Mika Hiroi
  • August 12, 2024

Beat the Heat - Preventing heat-related illness (HRI) on holiday

BEAT THE HEAT: Preventing heat-related illness (HRI) on holiday...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • August 5, 2024

Malaria Risks in Ethiopia - Should You Consider Prophylaxis for Your Trip?

A decision on whether to take malaria prophylaxis is often difficult...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • August 5, 2024

Assessing the Risk of Tuberculosis Exposure During Travel

The risk of exposure to tuberculosis in travel is very low for most types of travel...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • July 22, 2024

Ongoing Avian Influenza Outbreak in the USA

According to the United States Centre for Disease Control (CDC), 11 cases...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • July 17, 2024

Current Zika Virus Outbreak in Maharashtra, India

An outbreak of Zika is currently being reported in the Maharashtra state of India. Cases were first...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • July 10, 2024

Global Dengue Fever Surge - Essential Travel Advice for 2024

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) more than 7.6 million cases of dengue fever...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • July 2, 2024

Norovirus Suspected in Grand Canyon Hikers' Vomiting and Diarrhoea Outbreak

Vomiting and diarrhoea in a group of hikers visiting the Grand Canyon in the United States this summer.

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • June 24, 2024

Protecting Infants from Whooping Cough

According to a report from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 8 infants have died from whooping...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • June 17, 2024

Can we end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030?

An estimated 59,000 people die from rabies each year. While this is down considerably from figures prior...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • June 12, 2024

Rising Tick-Borne Illness and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in the USA

The number of reported cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) in the United States...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • June 3, 2024

Meningitis cases linked to Umrah Pilgrimage

Millions of pilgrims attend the Umrah and Hajj in Saudi Arabia each year. These are “mass gatherings”...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • June 3, 2024

Lassa Fever resurgence in West Africa and reflections on the late 1970s

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control has recently reported (28 May 2024) 14 cases of Lassa fever...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • June 2, 2024

Polio Eradication Program: Where do we stand in 2024?

Polio eradication program: Where do we stand in 2024? When a global polio eradication program

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • May 27, 2024

Is Yellow Fever in Bolivia a concern for travellers?

Bolivian health officials have recently reported 2 yellow fever deaths in the northern region of the La Paz Department...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • May 20, 2024

Dengue risk in unexpected places - WHO update on vaccine use

Mosquito avoidance measures are important, even if you think the destination is low risk...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • May 14, 2024

A first case of Japanese Encephalitis in Vietnam this year

A case of Japanese Encephalitis has been reported in the province of Dak Lak in the Central Highlands...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • May 8, 2024

Stay safe from Tick-borne Diseases during your Northern Hemisphere summer adventures

North America (USA and Canada) and Europe are low risk for exotic disease. Travellers...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • May 6, 2024

What travellers need to know about the Leptospirosis Outbreak in Fiji

More than 200 cases have been reported in the Western medical division of Fiji and a further 31...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • April 29, 2024

Is it time to include Hepatitis A in the National Immunisation Program for children?

The Ministry of Health in Colombia (Medellin) has recently reported a large...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • April 18, 2024

Cholera crisis persists in southern Africa

According to WHO (World Health Organisation), cholera continues to be a major...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • April 15, 2024

An unusual case of Avian Influenza in the USA

A human case of laboratory confirmed Avian Influenza (H5N1) has been reported...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • April 10, 2024

RSV Vaccine Now Available - Is It Right for You?

RSV is a highly infectious respiratory tract virus. It is recognized as one of the most common...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • April 3, 2024

Large Measles Outbreak Reported in South Sudan

A very large outbreak of measles is being reported in South Sudan. According to Medecins Sans...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • April 2, 2024

Potential Rise in Whooping Cough Cases in Australia: Cause for Concern?

Number of cases has jumped significantly against the same reporting period last year. It is also...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • April 1, 2024

Ross River Virus Remains a Threat Beyond Summer

It might be the end of summer, but mozzies are still an issue. Ross River Virus disease...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • March 27, 2024

Watch out for ticks - Spring is on the way in northern Europe

The first case of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has just been reported in Estonia for 2024...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • March 15, 2024

2024 Influenza Vaccine Now Available - No Need to Panic

The influenza vaccine has just become available (March 10), but there’s no need to panic...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • March 11, 2024

What is invasive meningococcal disease (IMD)?

IMD is a bacterial infection which can cause serious health issues including septicaemia...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • March 4, 2024

Dogs, Rabies & Travel - when ‘man’s best friend’ becomes a risk

If you are a “doggie person” and it isn’t a particular breed you might have few concerns...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • February 23, 2024

Dengue vaccine roll-out in Brazil

In a new fight against Dengue Fever, Brazil has become the first country to roll out a national...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • February 21, 2024

Cholera in Africa

The island of Comoros is now reporting Cholera. This latest African outbreak started 2 years ago...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • February 12, 2024

Vaccine-associated paralytic polio (VAPP): What’s going on?

Cases of vaccine-associated polio are being reported in the media. I thought polio was almost...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • February 10, 2024

Diphtheria; the forgotten disease.

Very few infectious diseases are fully eradicated. We think of smallpox (which has been eradicated)...

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  • Dr Bob Kass
  • February 5, 2024

Measles risk to travellers - bring back memories, not measles.

"Bring back memories, not measles, from your holidays". This was a dramatic headline from NSW Health in August 2023. Two cases had been reported...

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