Health - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 1069

Lariam (Mefloquine) Weekly tablet that suits many people. Has received much bad press, some of it
justified, some not. Serious side effects are rare but include depression, anxiety, psychosis and
seizures. Anyone with a history of depression, anxiety, other psychological disorders or epilepsy
should not take Lariam. Considered safe in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Tablets must
be taken for four weeks after leaving the risk area.
Malarone Combines Atovaquone and Proguanil. Side effects are uncommon and mild, usually nausea
and headache. Best tablet for scuba divers and for those on short trips to high-risk areas. Must be
taken for one week after leaving the risk area.
A final option is to take no preventive tablets but to have a supply of emergency medication should
you develop the symptoms of malaria. This is less than ideal, and you'll need to get to a good medical
facility within 24 hours of developing a fever. If you choose this option the most effective and safest
treatment is Malarone (four tablets once daily for three days).
Measles
Risk Mild risk in all countries
Cause Highly contagious bacterial infection, spread via coughing and sneezing
Symptoms Starts with a high fever and rash
Treatment No specific treatment
Prevention Most people born before 1966 are immune as they had the disease in childhood. Routine vaccin-
ation for children has been available since 1963
Meliodosis
Risk Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. Rare in travellers, but in some parts of northeast Thailand up to 30% of
the local population is infected
Cause Skin coming into contact with contaminated soil
Symptoms Very similar to tuberculosis
Treatment Medications
Prevention No vaccine
Rabies
Risk Common in most regions
Cause Bite or lick from infected animal - most commonly a dog or monkey
Consequences Uniformly fatal