As reported by TravelCare International, if flood waters persist, outbreaks of diarrhea and other more serious gastrointestinal illnesses, such as typhoid, can be expected.  The incidence of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, may also increase. 

 

Consider deferring non-essential travel to, or through, flooded areas.  If travel cannot be avoided, consult with a travel medicine physician for vaccine recommendations.

The Indonesia Ministry of Health has confirmed a case of avian influenza (H5N1) infection in West Java province.  A four-year-old boy was treated at a local health facility and three days later was transferred to a hospital.  He died on December 6.  It is reported that poultry carcasses were found in the neighborhood of the boy's residence. 

 

To date, 192 confirmed human infections have occurred in Indonesia, with 160 deaths.  There have been more cases of bird flu reported in Indonesia than any other country.

 

People can catch the disease from birds.  In rare cases, people have gotten the virus from sick family members.  However, it does not easily spread from person to person. 

 

Bird flu is a very serious disease that causes a severe respiratory illness.  It kills more than half of everyone who becomes infected.  There is no vaccine to protect against bird flu.

 

At least 150 people have died from rabies, according to TravelCare International.  The actual number may  be even higher.  As many as 300 people per day require attention and rabies vaccination following dog bites.  The nearby island of Nusa Penida has also reported cases.

 

Locally, treatment is in short supply.  Without treatment with the vaccination, the disease is invariably fatal.

 

 

 

International SOS is reporting that a man from Yogyakarta special region died of bird flu on July 30.  Investigations revealed he lived close to a poultry slaughterhouse and kept caged birds as pets.  Virtually all cases worldwide have occurred in people who handled poultry.  No travelers or expatriates have been infected.

 

Precautions:

 

Avoid farms and wet markets where live animals may be present.

Do not touch birds.

All poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked.  Do not eat raw products.

Wash your hands before and after preparing food, and before eating.

 

International SOS is reporting the death of a child on July 3 from the bird flu.  She had recently handled killed birds. She became ill in mid-June and did not receive treatment for at least one week. 

 

No travelers or expatriates have been infected.  Virtually all cases worldwide have occurred in people who handled poultry. 

 

According to TravelCare International, the Indonesian Ministry of Health has confirmed a case of H5N1 infection in Riau province.  On April 17, 2012, a two-year-old boy from Siak reported symptoms of the flu.  The boy was hospitalized three days later after being treated at a local health facility.  He died on April 27.  The boy  may have been exposed to infected poultry.  The case is yet to be confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO). 

 

To date, WHO has confirmed 188 human infections in Indonesia.  The country has reported the most cases of bird flu of any country worldwide.  A large number of cases have ended in death. 

 

Avian influenza has not acquired the ability to pass easily from person to person.

 

According to TravelCare International, health authorities have warned about an increase in the number of rove beetles (also called "tomcat") in many areas of Indonesia.  A rise in the number of people affected has been recorded, especially in Surabaya.

 

Measures are being taken to control the insects, and authorities have cautioned people to avoid contact with them.  The number of beetles is expected to diminish in April.

 

Rove beetles do not bite or sting people.  They do, however, release a chemical when crushed.  The chemical called "paederin" is irritating to the skin and eyes.  If not immediately washed off, an itchy, red, painful and blistering rash appears about 12 to 36 hours after contact with the chemical.  The rash appears wherever the chemical touched the skin.  If paederin touches the eye, it can be very painful and cause inflammation.

 

The beetles are found mostly in moist areas such as paddy fields.  Travelers should take precautions against coming into contact with the insects.  If a beetle does land on you, do not crush it and do not touch or rub your eyes.  Try to remove it gently by blowing it off.  Immediately wash any areas of the skin that came into contact with the beetle.

 

 

 

 

 

According to International SOS, an 8.9 magnitude earthquake struck 308 miles off Banda Aceh.  Water supply power and electricity may be affected.  So far, no casualties have been reported. 

 

Avoid travel to affected region until the situation is stabilized. 

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the Indonesian Ministry of Health has confirmed another human case of H5N1.  A 19-year-old female from Banten province developed symptoms on February 8, 2012.  She was hospitalized on February 12, and died the following day.  Investigations regarding the source of infection are continuing.

 

Indonesia has reported the most cases of bird flu of any country, a large number of which have been fatal.  185 human infections have been confirmed by the WHO, with 153 deaths. 

 

Avian influenza has not acquired the ability to pass easily from person to person.

 

According to the WHO, travel to Indonesia can proceed.  There appears to be little risk for travelers and expatriates at this time. 

 

 

 

According to TravelCare International, the Indonesian Ministry of Health has confirmed a fatal human case of avian influenza H5N1.  A 23-year-old man developed symptoms on December 31, 2011.  He was admitted to a hospital on January 6, and died the next day.  He was from Jakarta Province, Tanjung Priok district.  Investigations indicate he raised pigeons. 

 

Indonesia has reported 183 human cases of bird flu, 151 of which were fatal.  Avian influenza is considered endemic among Indonesian birds.