Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
drugs. Wherever you are, wear long pants and sleeves and spray insect repellent to pre-
vent bites. Also sleep in air-con or screened rooms with bednets.
Rabies
A potential risk, and invariably fatal if untreated, rabies is spread by the bite or lick
of an infected animal (most commonly a dog or monkey). Pretravel vaccination means the
postbite treatment is greatly simplified. If an animal bites you, gently wash the wound with
soap and water, and apply iodine-based antiseptic. If you are not prevaccinated you will
need to receive rabies immunoglobulin as soon as possible.
Typhoid
This serious bacterial infection is spread via food and water. Symptoms include
high and slowly progressive fever, headache, a dry cough and stomach pain. Vaccination,
recommended for all travellers spending more than a week in Myanmar and other parts of
Southeast Asia, is not 100% effective so you must still be careful with what you eat and
drink.
Traveller's Diarrhoea
By far the most common problem affecting travellers is usually caused by a bacteria.
Treatment consists of staying well hydrated; use a solution such as Gastrolyte. Antibiotics
such as Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin or Azithromycin will kill the bacteria quickly.
Loperamide is just a 'stopper', but it can be helpful in certain situations, eg if you have
to go on a long bus ride. Seek medical attention quickly if you do not respond to an appro-
priate antibiotic.
Amoebic dysentery
is very rare in travellers; one sign is if you have blood in your
diarrhoea. Treatment involves two drugs: Tinidazole or Metronidazole to kill the parasite in
your gut, and then a second drug to kill the cysts.
Giardiasis
is relatively common. Symptoms include nausea, bloating, excess gas, fatigue
and intermittent diarrhoea. The treatment of choice is Tinidazole, with Metronidazole be-
ing a second option.
Environmental Hazards
Air Pollution
Air pollution, particularly vehicle pollution, is an increasing problem, particularly in Yangon.
If you have severe respiratory problems speak with your doctor before travelling to any
heavily polluted urban centres. This pollution also causes minor respiratory problems,
such as sinusitis, dry throat and irritated eyes. If troubled by the pollution, leave the city
for a few days and get some fresh air.
