The Aedes Albopictus mosquito which transmits the Chikungunya virus. Source: AFP
WEST Australians have been given yet another reason to be cautious about travel to Bali amid a dramatic increase in cases of a mosquito-borne tropical disease there.
The latest Health Department data shows 51 reports of chikungunya virus have been made in WA since the start of the year - the most on record for the illness, which can leave victims with aching joints and inflammation for months.
A department alert said the spike was "wholly attributable" to an increase in cases from people who had been to Bali.
"The vast majority of cases (92 per cent) reported recent travel to Indonesia, and among these, 94 per cent had been to Bali," the alert said.
"The remaining four chikungunya cases in 2013 acquired their infections in Papua New Guinea, Singapore and an unspecified location in South-East Asia."
Just 31 cases of chikungunya virus were reported by West Australians between 2008 and 2012, an average of six per year.
Australian Medical Association WA vice-president Michael Gannon said it was important West Australians took appropriate precautions when travelling to Indonesia.
"People travelling to Bali do need to think about it differently to how they would travel within their own state and within their own country and they need to really take those extra precautions," he said.
"The attitude of many West Australians when they go to Bali is that it's no different to going to Busselton or Mandurah, but it's a much more dangerous place and one of the things that makes it more dangerous is tropical diseases."
Similar to Ross River virus, symptoms of chikungunya virus during its acute phase, which typically lasts several days, include a fever, rash, headaches, nausea, vomiting and conjunctivitis.
He said West Australians travelling to Bali should ensure their vaccinations were up-to-date and be meticulous about handwashing.
"Use appropriate insect repellents, wear appropriate clothing and think twice before you travel to places where you are at greater risks," he said.
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