Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
subsides after a few days, often leaving the patient
with a bad rash all over their body, headaches and
fierce joint pain. The only treatment is rest, liquids
and paracetamol or any other acetaminophen
painkiller (not aspirin). Dengue can result in death,
usually among the very young or very old, and
serious cases call for hospitalization.
In the Philippines malarial is found only in
isolated areas of southern Palawan and the Sulu
archipelago (Basilan, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi), and few
travellers bother with anti-malarials if they are
sticking to the tourist trail. If you are unsure of
your itinerary it's best to err on the safe side and
consult your doctor about malaria medication.
Anti-malarials must be taken before you enter a
malarial zone. As resistance to chloroquin-based
drugs increases, mefloquin, which goes under the
brand name of Lariam, has become the recom-
mended prophylactic for most travellers to the
Philippines. This has very strong side effects, and
its use is controversial; alternatives are atovaquone-
proguanil and doxycycline.
To avoid mosquito bites, wear long-sleeved shirts,
long trousers and a hat. Use an insect repellent
that contains DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide) and -
unless you are staying in air-conditioned or well-
screened accommodation - pick up a mosquito net
impregnated with the insecticide permethrin or
deltamethrin. Mosquito nets are hard to find In the
Philippines, so buy one before you go. If you are
unable to find a pre-treated mosquito net you can
buy one and spray it yourself.
Stray and badly cared for dogs are everywhere
in the Philippines and far more dangerous than
leeches: rabies claims about eight hundred lives
a year. The stereotype of rabid animals being
deranged and foaming at the mouth is just that;
some infected animals become lethargic and
sleepy, so don't presume a docile dog is a safe
one. If you are bitten or scratched, wash the wound
immediately with soap and running water for
five minutes and apply alcohol or iodine. Seek
treatment immediately - rabies is fatal once
symptoms appear.
MEDICAL RESOURCES
Canadian Society for International Health W csih.org.
Extensive list of travel health centres.
CDC T 1877 394 8747, W cdc.gov/travel. O cial US government
travel health site.
Hospital for Tropical Diseases Travel Clinic T 0845 155 5000
or 020 7387 4411, W www.thehtd.org.
International Society for Travel Medicine T 1770 736 7060,
W istm.org. Has a full list of travel health clinics worldwide.
MASTA ( Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad)
T 0870 606 2782, W masta-travel-health.com. For the nearest clinic
in the UK.
South African Society of Travel Medicine T 011 025 3297,
W sastm.org.za. Offers latest medical advice for travellers and a
directory of travel medicine practitioners in South Africa.
Travellers' Medical and Vaccination Centre T 1300 658 844,
W tmvc.com.au. Lists travel clinics in Australia, New Zealand and
South Africa.
Tropical Medical Bureau Republic of Ireland T 1850 487 674,
W tmb.ie.
Leeches and rabies
If you're trekking through rainforest, especially in
the rainy season, there's a good chance you'll
encounter leeches (known locally as limatik ),
blood-sucking freshwater worms that attach
themselves to your skin and can be tricky to
remove (the bite doesn't hurt however). If you find
a leech on your skin it's important not to pull it off
because the jaw could be left behind and can
cause infection. Use an irritant like salt, alcohol or
heat from a cigarette or match to make the leech
let go, then treat the wound with antiseptic. You
can guard against leeches in the first place by
securing cuffs and trouser bottoms. Climbers in
the Philippines say rubbing detergent soap with
a little water on your skin and clothes helps
keep leeches at bay. Though leeches might seem
unpleasant, they actually present a negligible
health risk to healthy hikers, and it's fine to let them
drop off of their own accord.
The media
Filipinos are inordinately proud of their
nation's historic status as the first
democracy in Asia, a fact reflected in their
love of a free press. Once Marcos was gone
and martial law with him, the shackles
truly came off and the Philippine media
became one of the most vociferous and
freewheeling in the world.
There is a dark and apparently contradictory side to
this, however - the Philippines is also one of the most
dangerous places in the world to be a journalist, with
many killed every year. Though press freedoms are
enshrined in the Philippine constitution, paramilitary
groups, privately owned militias and even politicians
(especially in Mindanao) who have been targeted by
the press often seek violent retribution. Thanks to
corruption, few are brought to justice.
 
 
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