The allure of international travel is strong for Aussies, especially for those in their retirement years seeking a holiday.

The opportunity to explore new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes is an exciting prospect.

However, with the joys of travel can come unexpected risks travellers have to prepare for.


The WA Health Department raised alarms over a significant surge in cases of cryptosporidiosis.

According to the WA Health Department, 20 per cent of the state's cryptosporidiosis cases were contracted overseas.

The majority of these cases were linked back to Indonesia.


Dr Paul Effler, the Acting Director of the Communicable Disease Control Directorate at the Department of Health, explained the condition further.

'Cryptosporidiosis is really common overseas, and you can get it from food and water when you travel,' Dr Effler stated.

'Those individuals, when they return, can transmit to others in their household or other settings,'


Cryptosporidiosis is a condition travellers should be wary of.

A tiny parasite causes it and could lead to a range of unpleasant symptoms, including nausea, stomach pain, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite.

Cryptosporidiosis is a gruelling experience that could last up to two weeks.

It's particularly concerning for seniors, whose weakened immune systems may make them more susceptible to severe symptoms and complications.

Cryptosporidiosis cases in WA skyrocketed by 300 per cent in recent years.

The case count jumped from 800 in 2023 to 3,200 in 2024.

This month alone, 74 new cases of cryptosporidiosis have already been reported.

Nearly half of these cases involve children and have also affected adults between the ages of 30 and 39.


The outbreak is not confined to WA alone; Queensland reported a surge in cryptosporidiosis cases this time last year.

Nationally, cryptosporidiosis cases have surged in 2024, with 14,001 documented cases.

Almost half of these said cases were in children under nine years old.

While the statistics are already startling, Dr Effler warned that the actual number of cryptosporidiosis cases could be higher than reported.

Affected individuals could be asymptomatic or experience mild symptoms that they do not get tested for.


The increase in cases was also tied back to a return to pre-pandemic levels of activities, such as swimming in public pools.

Cryptosporidiosis is resistant to chlorine, making it transmittable even in well-maintained swimming facilities.

While the risk of infection from swimming pools is considered low, the health department still urged the public to take preventive measures.

These measures include regular hand washing, practising good hygiene with grandchildren, washing and peeling raw vegetables and fruit, avoiding untreated water, and minimising contact with farm animals.

Learn more about cryptosporidiosis in this video:

For those with travel plans in tourist destinations like Bali, it's crucial to be aware of these health risks.

Always ensure that you are drinking safe, treated water and consuming properly prepared food.

Consult with a general practitioner before your trip to discuss any additional precautions to prevent cryptosporidiosis during your holiday.

Those who recently returned from overseas travel and are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
Have you had any experiences with travel-related illnesses? Do you have any tips for staying healthy while enjoying a holiday? Share your stories and advice in the comments below.