Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Infectious Diseases
Cutaneous Larva Migrans
This disease, caused by dog or cat hookworm, is particularly common on the beaches of Thailand. The rash starts as a
small lump, and then slowly spreads like a winding line. It is intensely itchy, especially at night. It is easily treated with
medications and should not be cut out or frozen.
Dengue Fever
This mosquito-borne disease is increasingly problematic throughout Southeast Asia, especially in cities. As there is no
vaccine it can only be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites. The mosquito that carries dengue is a daytime biter, so
use insect-avoidance measures at all times. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache (especially behind the eyes),
nausea and body aches (dengue was previously known as 'breakbone fever'). Some people develop a rash (which can
be very itchy) and experience diarrhoea. The southern islands of Thailand are particularly high-risk areas. There is no
specific treatment, just rest and paracetamol - do not take aspirin or ibuprofen as they increase the risk of haemor-
rhaging. See a doctor to be diagnosed and monitored.
Dengue can progress to the more severe and life-threatening dengue haemorrhagic fever; however, this is very un-
common in tourists. The risk of this increases substantially if you have previously been infected with dengue and are
then infected with a different serotype.
Hepatitis A
The risk in Bangkok is decreasing but there is still significant risk in most of the country. This food- and water-borne
virus infects the liver, causing jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), nausea and lethargy. There is no specific treatment for
hepatitis A. In rare instances, it can be fatal for those over the age of 40. All travellers to Thailand should be vaccinated
against hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B
The only sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can be prevented by vaccination, hepatitis B is spread by body fluids,
including sexual contact. In some parts of Thailand up to 20% of the population are carriers of hepatitis B, and usually
are unaware of this. The long-term consequences can include liver cancer, cirrhosis and death.
HIV
HIV is now one of the most common causes of death in people under the age of 50 in Thailand. Always practise safe
sex, and avoid getting tattoos or using unclean syringes.
Influenza
Present year-round in the tropics, flu is the most common vaccine-preventable disease contracted by travellers and
everyone should consider vaccination. There is no specific treatment, just rest and paracetamol.
