Travel Health: Malaria is a health risk between June and September in the
low-lying areas of Nepal, including Chitwan National Park, but not
in the common trekking areas. Outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis
occur annually, particularly between July and December; vaccination
is advised. Cholera outbreaks occur and food and water precautions
should be followed. Untreated water should be avoided; visitors can
buy bottled water or purify their own. When trekking it is
preferable to treat river water rather than leaving a trail of
plastic bottles behind. Purifying water with iodine is the cheapest
and easiest way to treat water. Altitude sickness is a real risk
for trekkers. Many trekkers may suffer from altitude sickness above
8,202ft (2,500m); if symptoms persist it is wise to descend as
quickly as possible. Standard of care in hospitals varies, but
there are traveller's clinics in Kathmandu and numerous pharmacies
in the major towns. Medical insurance is essential, which should
include air evacuation. Travellers arriving from infected areas
require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
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