Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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» impregnate clothing with Permethrin in high-risk areas
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» wear long sleeves and trousers in light colours
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» use mosquito coils
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» spray your room with insect repellent before going out for your evening meal
Rabies
This uniformly fatal disease is spread by the bite or lick of an infected animal - most
commonly a dog or monkey. You should seek medical advice immediately after any
animal bite and commence post-exposure treatment. Having a pre-travel vaccina-
tion means the post-bite treatment is greatly simplified.
Typhoid
This serious bacterial infection is spread through food and water. It gives a high and
slowly progressive fever, severe headache, and may be accompanied by a dry
cough and stomach pain. It is diagnosed by blood tests and treated with antibiotics.
Vaccination is recommended for all travellers spending more than a week in Thail-
and, or travelling outside of the major cities. Be aware that vaccination is not 100%
effective so you must still be careful with what you eat and drink.
TRAVELLER'S DIARRHOEA
Traveller's diarrhoea is by far the most common problem affecting travellers - up to
50% of people will suffer from some form of it within two weeks of starting their trip.
In over 80% of cases, traveller's diarrhoea is caused by a bacteria (there are nu-
merous potential culprits), and responds promptly to treatment with antibiotics.
Here we define traveller's diarrhoea as the passage of more than three watery
bowel movements within 24 hours, plus at least one other symptom such as vomit-
ing, fever, cramps, nausea or feeling generally unwell.
Treatment consists of staying well hydrated; rehydration solutions such as
Gastrolyte are the best for this. Antibiotics such as Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin or Azi-
thromycin will kill the bacteria quickly.
Giardia lamblia
is a parasite that is relatively common in travellers. Symptoms in-
clude nausea, bloating, excess gas, fatigue and intermittent diarrhoea. 'Eggy' burps
are often attributed solely to giardiasis. The treatment of choice is Tinidazole, with
Metronidazole being a second-line option.
