Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Further Reading
Lonely Planet's pocket-size
Asia & India: Healthy Travel
is packed with useful informa-
tion, including pre-trip planning, emergency first aid, immunisation and disease informa-
tion, and what to do if you get sick on the road.
Travel with Children
includes advice on
travel health for young children.
Other references include the 5th (2012) edition of
Travellers' Health
by Dr Richard Da-
wood (Oxford University Press) and the 17th (2012) edition of
Travelling Well
by Dr De-
borah Mills (available from
www.travellingwell.com.au
)
.
In Borneo
Availability & Cost of Health Care
There are good medical facilities - charging reasonable rates - in Borneo's larger cities.
This is especially true in Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei, where even upland towns such as
Bario and Belaga are now served by full-time doctors. As you head into the hinterlands,
however, especially in Kalimantan, you'll find few if any medical facilities.
In Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei you will have no problem communicating with doctors
in English, and almost all nurses know at least some English. Pharmacists also tend to
speak reasonable English - this can be important, as many medications are marketed un-
der a variety of names in different parts of the world.
Infectious Diseases
DENGUE FEVER
This mosquito-borne disease is present in Borneo. As there's no vaccine available, it can
only be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites. The mosquito that carries dengue fever
bites during both day and night, so use insect-avoidance measures at all times. Symptoms
include high fever, severe headache and body ache. Some people develop a rash and ex-
perience diarrhoea. There's no specific treatment, just rest and paracetamol - don't take
aspirin as it increases the likelihood of haemorrhaging. Some forms can be dangerous, so
see a doctor to be diagnosed and monitored.
LEPTOSPIROSIS
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that's most commonly contracted after river rafting,
canyoning or caving, sometimes as a result of contact with rat urine or faeces. Early
symptoms are similar to the flu and include headache and fever. It can vary from a very
