Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
IN MYANMAR
Availability of Health Care
Myanmar medical care is dismal, and local hospitals should be used only out of despera-
tion. Contact your embassy for advice, as staff will usually direct you to the best options.
Be aware that getting Western-style health care may not come cheap.
If you think you may have a serious disease, especially malaria, do not waste time -
travel to the nearest quality facility to receive attention. It is always better to be assessed
by a doctor than to rely on self-treatment.
Buying medication over the counter is not recommended in Myanmar, as fake medica-
tions and poorly stored or out-of-date drugs are common.
Infectious Diseases
The following are the most common for travellers:
Dengue Fever
Increasingly problematic throughout Myanmar. The mosquito that carries
dengue bites day and night, so use insect avoidance measures at all times. Symptoms
can include high fever, severe headache, body ache, a rash and diarrhoea. There is no
specific treatment, just rest and paracetamol - do not take aspirin as it increases the likeli-
hood of haemorrhaging.
Hepatitis A
This food- and water-borne virus infects the liver, causing jaundice (yellow
skin and eyes), nausea and lethargy. All travellers to Myanmar should be vaccinated
against it.
Hepatitis B
The only sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can be prevented by vac-
cination, hepatitis B is spread by body fluids, including sexual contact.
Hepatitis E
Transmitted through contaminated food and water and has similar symptoms
to hepatitis A, but is far less common. It is a severe problem in pregnant women and can
result in the death of both mother and baby. There is currently no vaccine, and prevention
is by following safe eating and drinking guidelines.
HIV
Unprotected heterosexual sex is the main method of transmission.
Influenza
Can be very severe in people over the age of 65 or in those with underlying
medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes; vaccination is recommended for
these individuals. There is no specific treatment, just rest and paracetamol.
Malaria
While not noted in Yangon or Mandalay, malaria (which can be fatal if untreated)
is very much present throughout the rest of rural Myanmar in altitudes below 1000m. Be-
fore you travel, seek medical advice on the right medication and dosage for you; note that
some areas of the country have strains of the disease resistant to Mefloquine-based
