Health - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 1065

IN THE MEKONG REGION
Availability & Cost of Health Care
If you think you may have a serious disease, especially malaria, do not waste time - travel to the nearest qual-
ity facility to receive attention. Bangkok is a popular medical-tourism destination, with a few world-class
hospitals that provide excellent care. In other Mekong capitals the best options are clinics that cater specific-
ally to travellers and expats. These are more expensive than local medical facilities, but provide several ad-
vantages:
» They provide a superior standard of care (usually).
» They liaise with insurance companies should you require evacuation.
» They understand the local system and are aware of the safest local hospitals and best specialists.
Infectious Diseases
Cutaneous Larva Migrans
Risk All countries, but most common on beaches of Thailand
Cause Dog hookworm
Symptoms Intensely itchy rash that starts as a small lump, then slowly spreads in a linear fashion
Treatment Medications; should not be cut out or frozen
Dengue
Risk All countries; most common in cities
Cause Mosquito-borne (day and night)
Symptoms High fever, severe headache and body ache (dengue used to be known as breakbone fever); some-
times a rash and diarrhoea
Treatment No specific treatment, just rest and paracetamol; do not take aspirin as it increases the likelihood
of haemorrhaging. See a doctor to be diagnosed and monitored
Prevention Insect-avoidance measures (both day and night)
Filariasis
Risk All countries, but rare in travellers (common in the local population)