Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Health
General health is more of a concern in Cambodia than most other parts of Southeast Asia, due to a lack of ef-
fective medical-treatment facilities, a prevalence of tropical diseases and poor sanitation. Once you venture
into rural areas you are very much on your own, although most towns have a reasonable clinic these days.
If you feel particularly unwell, try to see a doctor rather than visit a hospital; hospitals in rural areas are
pretty primitive and diagnosis can be hit and miss. If you fall seriously ill in Cambodia you should head to
Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, as these are the only places in the country with decent emergency treatment.
Pharmacies in the larger towns are remarkably well stocked and you don't need a prescription to get your
hands on anything from antibiotics to antimalarials. Prices are also very reasonable, but do check the expiry
date, as some medicine may have been on the shelves for quite a long time.
While the potential dangers can seem quite frightening, in reality few travellers experience anything more
than an upset stomach. Don't let these warnings make you paranoid.
EVERYDAY HEALTH
Normal body temperature is up to 37°C (98.6°F); more than 2°C (4°F) higher indicates a high fever.
The normal adult pulse rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute (children 80 to 100, babies 100 to 140). As a
general rule, the pulse increases about 20 beats per minute for each 1°C (2°F) rise in fever.
