Health - Thailand - page 1564

IN THAILAND
Availability & Cost of Health Care
Bangkok is considered a centre of medical excellence in Southeast Asia. Private hospitals are more expensive than other
medical facilities but offer a superior standard of care and English-speaking staff. The cost of health care is relatively
cheap in Thailand compared to most Western countries.
RARE BUT BE AWARE
» Avian Influenza - Most of those infected have had close contact with sick or dead birds.
» Filariasis - A mosquito-borne disease that is common in the local population; practise mosquito-avoidance meas-
ures.
» Hepatitis E - Transmitted through contaminated food and water and has similar symptoms to hepatitis A; can be
a severe problem in pregnant women. Follow safe eating and drinking guidelines.
» Japanese B Encephalitis - Viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes, typically occurring in rural areas; vaccination
is recommended for travellers spending more than one month outside cities or for long-term expats.
» Meliodosis - Contracted by skin contact with soil. Affects up to 30% of the local population in northeastern
Thailand. The symptoms are very similar to those experienced by tuberculosis (TB) sufferers. There is no vaccine
but it can be treated with medications.
» Strongyloides - A parasite transmitted by skin contact with soil; common in the local population. It is character-
ised by an unusual skin rash - a linear rash on the trunk which comes and goes. An overwhelming infection can
follow. It can be treated with medications.
» Tuberculosis - Medical and aid workers and long-term travellers who have significant contact with the local pop-
ulation should take precautions. Vaccination is recommended for children spending more than three months in
Thailand. The main symptoms are fever, cough, weight loss, night sweats and tiredness. Treatment is available with
long-term multidrug regimens.
» Typhus - Murine typhus is spread by the bite of a flea; scrub typhus is spread via a mite. Symptoms include
fever, muscle pains and a rash. Following general insect-avoidance measures and Doxycycline will also prevent it.
Infectious Diseases
Cutaneous Larva Migrans
This disease, caused by dog or cat hookworm, is particularly common on the beaches of Thailand. The rash starts as a
small lump, and then slowly spreads like a winding line. It is intensely itchy, especially at night. It is easily treated with
medications and should not be cut out or frozen.