Please check the Outbreaks section for important updates on these and other countries, including information on Increased Levels of Murray Valley Encephalitis in Australia . The preventive measures you need to take while traveling in this region depend on the areas you visit and the length of time you stay. You should observe the precautions listed in this document in most areas of this region. However, in highly developed areas of Australia and New Zealand , you should observe health precautions similar to those that would apply while traveling in the United States. Travelers' diarrhea , the number one illness in travelers, can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which can contaminate food or water.
Malaria is a preventable infection that can be fatal if left untreated.
For additional information on malaria risk and prevention, see Malaria Information for Travelers to Australia and the South Pacific . A certificate of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into certain of these countries if you are coming from a tropical South American or sub-Saharan African country. For detailed information, see Comprehensive Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements . Dengue , filariasis , Ross River virus, and Murray Valley encephalitis are diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region. Rabies , if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation.