Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Self-treatment may be appropriate if your problem is minor (eg traveller's
diarrhoea), you are carrying the relevant medication and you cannot attend a
clinic. If you think you may have a serious disease, especially malaria, do not
waste time - get to the nearest quality facility. To find the nearest reliable med-
ical facility, contact your insurance company or your embassy.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Dengue
This mosquito-borne disease occurs in some parts of southern China. There is
no vaccine so avoid mosquito bites.
Hepatitis A
A problem throughout China, this food- and waterborne virus infects the liver,
causing jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), nausea and lethargy. There is no
specific treatment for hepatitis A; you just need to allow time for the liver to
heal. All travellers to China should be vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
The only sexually transmitted disease that can be prevented by vaccination,
hepatitis B is spread by contact with infected body fluids. The long-term conse-
quences can include liver cancer and cirrhosis. All travellers to China should
be vaccinated.
Japanese B Encephalitis
A rare disease in travellers; however, vaccination is recommended if you're in
rural areas for over a month during summer months, or if you're spending
more than three months in the country. No treatment available; one-third of in-
fected people die, another third suffer permanent brain damage.
Drinking Water
Follow these tips to avoid becoming ill.
