Welcome to Thailand. Every year, more than 8 million tourists visit this country as one of their travel destinations. Many arrive with insufficient health advice which often results in bounts of illnesses that spoil a good part of their journey. The information provided in this page will help you come up with appropriate protection against somecommon illnesses and promote enjoyment of your happy stay in Thailand.
Malaria
Bangkok and most provinces in the central region as well as major tourist resorts such as Chiangmai, Phuket, Hua-Hin and Koh Samui have been free from malaria for decades. Now all cities in Thailand are malaria free. However, tourist destinations in rural neighbourhoods, especially those in the mountainous and border areas are still at certain risks.
Chloroquine and most other chemoprophylactic drugs have proved
to be ineffective against falciparum malaria in Thailand. Tourists visiting these
endemic areas are rather recommended to take general precautions against mosquito
bite. After sunset, they should stay in screened quarters or mosquito nets, wear
longsleeve shirts and pants, and may apply mosquito repellents. Those who develop
fever within two weeks of entry to risk areas should seek prompt medical examination
and treatment.
Japanese encephalitis
This
viral infection of the brain, is contracted through the bite of mosquitoes that
prevail in rural agricultural areas. It is found in many Eastern and Southeastern
Asian countries, primarily in the rural and suburban areas. Similar to malaria,
the disease can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bite during the night time.
Travellers who plan to spend their time exposing to rural environment in these
regions for over several months are recommended to take Japanese encephalitis
vaccination before entry.
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