Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HEPATITIS B
While this is common in the area, it can only be transmitted by unprotected sex, sharing
needles, treading on a discarded needle, or receiving contaminated blood in very remote
areas of China.
INFLUENZA
Hong Kong has a bad flu season over the winter months from December to March. Symp-
toms include a cold (runny nose etc) with a high fever and aches and pains. You should
wash your hands frequently, avoid anybody you know who has the flu and consider getting
a flu shot before you travel.
Environmental Hazards
Mosquitoes
These are prevalent in Hong Kong. You should always use insect repellent dur-
ing warm and hot weather and if you're bitten, use hydrocortisone cream to reduce swelling.
Centipedes
Lamma Island is home to large red centipedes, which have a poisonous bite that
causes swelling and discomfort in most cases, but can be more dangerous (and supposedly
in very rare cases deadly) for young children.
Wild Boars & Dogs
Wild boars and aggressive dogs are a minor hazard in some of the
more remote parts of the New Territories. Wild boars are shy and retiring most of the time
but are dangerous when they feel threatened, so give them a wide berth and avoid disturbing
thick areas of undergrowth.
Snakes
There are many snakes in Hong Kong, and some are deadly, but you are unlikely to
encounter any. Still, always take care when bushwalking, particularly on Lamma and Lantau
Islands. Go straight to a public hospital if bitten; private doctors do not stock antivenene.
Recommended Immunisations
There are no required vaccinations for entry into Hong Kong or Macau unless you will be
travelling to the mainland or elsewhere in the region.
Water
Hong Kong tap water conforms to World Health Organization standards and is considered
safe to drink, though many locals prefer bottled for reasons of flavour and prestige.
