Travel Health: Some tropical illnesses are prevalent in Malaysia and travellers
should seek medical advice regarding any recommended vaccinations
before travelling. Hepatitis A and B are common, as is dengue
fever, which has no vaccination or immunisation. There has been an
increase in cases of dengue fever since January 2005. Malaria risks
are isolated to the inland regions; the exception is Sabah, where
there is an all-year risk. Visitors should stick to bottled water
and avoid uncooked meat, fish and vegetables, unpeeled fruit, ice
and salads. A further health hazard in Malaysia is smoke haze and
air pollution, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, which has the worst
air quality in Asia with very high Benzene pollution levels. This
could aggravate cardiac or respiratory problems. The hospitals in
Kuala Lumpur and other cities are of a high standard. Medical
insurance is recommended. Travellers older than one year coming
from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination
certificate.
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