Health - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 1072

Amoebic Dysentery
Amoebic dysentery is very rare in travellers but is often misdiagnosed by poor-quality labs in the Mekong
region.
Symptoms Similar to bacterial diarrhoea, ie fever, bloody diarrhoea and generally feeling unwell
Consequences If left untreated, complications such as liver or gut abscesses can occur
Treatment Tinidazole or Metronidazole to kill the parasite in your gut, and then a second drug to kill the
cysts
Giardiasis
Giardia lamblia is a relatively common parasite in travellers.
Symptoms Nausea, bloating, excess gas, fatigue, intermittent diarrhoea
Treatment Tinidazole the top choice, with Metronidazole being a second option. The parasite will eventu-
ally go away if left untreated but this can take months
Environmental Hazards
Air Pollution
» Increasing problem in most of the Mekong region's major cities, particularly vehicle pollution.
» Causes minor respiratory problems such as sinusitis, dry throat and irritated eyes.
» If you have severe respiratory problems speak with your doctor before travelling to any heavily polluted
urban centres.
Diving
» Divers should ensure their insurance covers them for decompression illness - get specialised dive insur-
ance through an organisation such as Divers Alert Network (DAN; www.danseap.org ).