Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections occur more commonly in hot weather and are usually on the scalp, between the toes (ath-
lete's foot) or fingers, in the groin and on the body (ringworm). Ringworm, a fungal infection, not a worm,
is contracted from infected animals or other people. Moisture encourages these infections.
To prevent fungal infections wear loose, comfortable clothes, avoid artificial fibres, wash frequently and
dry yourself carefully.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a general term for inflammation of the liver. Several different viruses cause hepatitis, and they
differ in the way that they are transmitted. The symptoms are similar in all forms of the illness, and include
fever, chills, headache, fatigue, feelings of weakness, and aches and pains, followed by loss of appetite,
nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, light-coloured faeces, jaundiced (yellow) skin and yellowing
of the whites of the eyes.
Hepatitis A and E are both transmitted by ingesting contaminated food or water. Seek medical advice, but
there is not much you can do apart from resting, drinking lots of fluids, eating lightly and avoiding fatty
foods.
There are almost 300 million chronic carriers of hepatitis B in the world. It is spread through contact with
infected blood, blood products or body fluids; for example, through sexual contact, unsterilized needles,
blood transfusions or contact with blood via small breaks in the skin. Hepatitis C and D are spread in the
same way as hepatitis B and can also lead to long-term complications.
HIV/AIDS
Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may lead to acquired immune deficiency syn-
drome (AIDS), which is a fatal disease. Any exposure to blood, blood products or body fluids may put the
individual at risk.
The disease is often transmitted through sexual contact or dirty needles, so vaccinations, acupuncture, tat-
tooing and body piercing can be potentially as dangerous as intravenous drug use.
Intestinal Worms
These parasites are most common in rural Cambodia. The various worms have different ways of infecting
people. Some may be ingested in food such as undercooked meat (eg tapeworms) and some enter through
your skin (eg hookworms). Consider having a stool test when you return home to check for worms and to
determine the appropriate treatment.
Malaria
This serious and potentially fatal disease is spread by mosquitoes. If you are travelling in endemic areas it is
extremely important to avoid mosquito bites and to take tablets to prevent the disease developing if you be-
come infected. There is no malaria in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and most other major urban areas in Cam-
