Travel Health: As a health precaution, travellers should take medical advice at
least three weeks before travelling to Thailand. Malaria is a risk
outside Bangkok and the major tourist resorts, and immunisation
against Hepatitis A and typhoid fever is also advised. Yellow fever
vaccination certificates are required for travellers from infected
areas. There has been an increase in reported cases of dengue
fever, particularly in the south, and vaccination against Japanese
encephalitis is also recommended. Outbreaks of leptospirosis occur
during the rainy season and after flooding. There have been
outbreaks of waterborne diseases in the Provinces of Khon Kaen, Lop
Buri, Phitsanulok and Prachin Buri. Outbreaks of cholera have also
been reported. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water
and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during your
visit you should seek immediate medical attention.There have been
outbreaks of bird flu in poultry, and several human deaths,
although the risk of travellers contracting the disease is slight;
contact with live birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg
dishes are best eaten well-cooked. HIV/AIDS is prevalent in the
major cities and resorts. Medical facilities are good in major
cities, but good medical insurance is vital - without insurance, or
cash/credit card, travellers will not be treated. Bangkok has
excellent international hospitals.
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