Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rabies
An increasingly common problem in China, this fatal disease is spread by the
bite or lick of an infected animal, most commonly a dog. Seek medical advice
immediately after any animal bite and commence postexposure treatment. The
pretravel vaccination means the post-bite treatment is greatly simplified.
Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia)
This disease occurs in the central Yangzi River (Chang Jiang) basin, carried in
water by minute worms that infect certain varieties of freshwater snail found in
rivers, streams, lakes and, particularly, behind dams. The infection often
causes no symptoms until the disease is well established (several months to
years after exposure); any resulting damage to internal organs is irreversible.
Effective treatment is available.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a serious bacterial infection spread via food and water. Symptoms
include headaches, a high and slowly progressive fever, perhaps accompan-
ied by a dry cough and stomach pain. Vaccination is not 100% effective, so still
be careful what you eat and drink. All travellers spending more than a week in
China should be vaccinated.
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
Air Pollution
Air pollution is a significant problem in many Chinese cities. People with un-
derlying respiratory conditions should seek advice from their doctor prior to
travel to ensure they have adequate medications in case their condition wor-
sens. Take treatments such as throat lozenges, and cough and cold tablets.
Health Advisories
It's usually a good idea to consult your government's travel-health website before
departure, if one is available.
