Zika warning for Aussies travelling to Bali

International News, National News

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Australian holiday makers are being urged to reconsider their travel plans with Bali now listed as a Zika virus hotspot.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade urged Australians considering travelling to Indonesia to exercise a “high degree of caution”.

“Given the possibility that Zika virus can cause severe malformations in unborn babies, and taking a very cautious approach, pregnant women should discuss any travel plans with the travel doctor and consider postponing travel to Indonesia,” the department issued in a statement.

The virus’ rampant movement across the globe has startled health officials with 49 countries now infected with the mosquito born virus.

Despite several isolated cases of infection, the Australian government has so far managed to contain a Zika outbreak on home soil.

Travel Doctors’ medical director, Jennifer Sisson told the NT News that while the Australian government’s warning was serious, there was no “actual outbreak” in Indonesia.

“Sporadic transmission means from time to time there is a case but it’s certainly not an outbreak like Brazil,” she said.