Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Illness while travelling

Illness during or after travel needs assessment based on the destination, dates, mosquito and animal contact, food, fresh water, sex and activities. Seek immediate local help for severe symptoms; fever during or after time in a malaria area, possible rabies exposure, severe dengue signs and diving problems must not wait.

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Illness during or after travel needs assessment based on the destination, dates, mosquito and animal contact, food, fresh water, sex and activities. Seek immediate local help for severe symptoms; fever during or after time in a malaria area, possible rabies exposure, severe dengue signs and diving problems must not wait.

  • Fever, chills, severe headache, muscle or joint pain and rash.
  • Diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bleeding or signs of dehydration.
  • For severe symptoms, seek local emergency care first, then contact your travel insurer or assistance centre if possible.
  • Drink safely packaged water or oral rehydration solution and keep track of urination, fever, vomiting and stools.
  • Seek local medical help the same day for fever in or after visiting a malaria area, and give all travel dates and details of prevention used.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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Further reading

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R
RabiesRabies is a viral infection that is almost always fatal once symptoms begin. You can acquire it through a bite, scratch or saliva from an infected animal entering a wound, graze or mucous membrane. Time therefore matters: immediately wash the area thoroughly with water and soap for a prolonged period and arrange medical assessment that same day for possible post-exposure treatment. Do not wait for symptoms; treatment needs to begin before they appear.
Z
Zika feverZika fever is a usually mild viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and also through sex. The greatest risks are serious harm to an unborn baby and rare nerve complications. Pregnancy after possible exposure, increasing muscle weakness or signs of severe dengue require prompt assessment.
I
Illness anxiety disorderWith illness anxiety disorder, fear of a serious illness continues to dominate your life, even after careful assessment and explanation. The symptoms are not pretend: treatment addresses the anxiety cycle and a safe, agreed pathway for new physical warning signs. Call Ambulance 912 if suicide or severe self-neglect poses an immediate danger.