How can this new health advisory in Bali affect tourism?

Friday, August 16, 2024 As Bali continues to draw large numbers of Australian tourists, a new health advisory has emerged, urging travelers to take precautions against dengue fever. This advisory comes amidst a significant rise in reported cases of the mosquito-borne illness, a situation that could have far-reaching implications for both the travel industry and the tourists themselves. Reports circulating on social media and confirmed by health officials indicate a worrying spike in dengue fever cases across Bali.

A recent post by Teejay Barratt on a Bali-focused Facebook advice page highlighted the severity of the outbreak, calling the situation “rampant.” He emphasized the importance of using mosquito repellent and warned of the dangerous nature of the disease, which has already severely affected a 15-year-old boy currently hospitalized at BIMC. NusaBali.

com, an Indonesian language news outlet, has also reported a “significant” increase in dengue cases in early 2024. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified symptoms of dengue as including severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rash. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for dengue, with healthcare focusing primarily on alleviating pain symptoms.

Australian health authorities have noted a rise in dengue infections among returning travelers from Bali over recent years. In response, the Australian government, through its Smartraveller advic.