Researchers in Western Australia are hoping a new vaccine against the potentially deadly dengue fever will be available within five years.
The ABC reports the mosquito-borne virus, which causes severe fever, vomiting, headaches and joint pain, is present in all tropical regions around the world.
The Institute for Child Health Research in Perth says a team is about to conduct the final set of clinical trials before the vaccine can become commercially available.
The Institute says it has taken 10 years to develop the vaccine which is now one step away from becoming licensed.
Associate Professor Peter Richmond says most of the people in Australia who get infected with dengue are actually travellers to south-east Asia and Bali, in particular.
