Basics - The Rough Guide to Myanmar - page 62

Insect bites
Mosquitoes are not only responsible for spreading malaria and Japanese encephalitis - they
also transmit dengue fever , for which there is no vaccination or cure. The symptoms of
dengue fever include a high fever and severe headache, joint and muscle pain as well as
a rash, nausea and vomiting. There is no specific treatment for the virus, save for resting
and taking paracetamol - do not take aspirin, as this will increase the likelihood of haemor-
rhaging.
Because of the risks, in addition to taking malaria prophylactics, it is important to try and
avoidinsectbiteswhileyouaretravelling.Whereasmalariaisspreadbyamosquitothatbites
betweenduskanddawn,thedengue-carryingmosquitotypicallybitesduringthedaytimeand
at any time of year - don't let your guard down in dry season - with occasional concentrated
outbreaks.
Prevent mosquito bites by wearing light-coloured clothes that cover your arms and legs.
Cover any exposed skin with an insect repellent containing a high percentage of DEET -
around 30 percent. Use mosquito nets or screens when sleeping, and spray any holes in the
netting with your insect repellent before going to sleep.
Heat problems
Most places in Myanmar are hot year-round. For visitors from cooler climates, it can take
some time to adjust to the temperatures, especially when you are frequently walking out-
doors. The most common heat-related complaint is dehydration , which should be dealt with
immediately to avoid developing into heat exhaustion . Symptoms include weakness, head-
aches, vomiting andnausea, andaweak andrapid pulse. Dilute ORSinalitre ofwater,tryto
get out of the heat and rest with the legs elevated until the symptoms abate. The same meas-
ures can be taken to reduce swelling of the feet and ankles, another common irritation in this
climate.
Heatstroke is a more serious medical problem. Symptoms include a sudden increase in
body temperature, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, fitting and - eventually, if left
untreated - death. If you or anyone in your party is showing symptoms of heatstroke, seek
medical help immediately, get out of the heat and apply cold, wet cloths and ice to the pa-
tient's body.
Hospitals, clinics and pharmacies
In Yangon there are several international-standard medical centres , and large towns will of-
tenhaveseveralprivatemedicalcentresthatareusedbywealthierlocals.Conditionsinthese
clinicsarevariablebutgenerallybetterthanthosein publichospitals ,whicharebestavoided
wherepossible.Whichevertypeofhospitalyouuse,youwilltypically berequiredtopayup-
front in US dollars before receiving treatment.