Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [658]
Filariasis
A mosquito-borne disease that is common in the local population, yet very rare in travellers. Mosquito-avoidance measures are the best way to prevent this disease.
Hepatitis A
The risk in Bangkok is decreasing but there is still significant risk in most of the country. This food- and water-borne virus infects the liver, causing jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), nausea and lethargy. There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A, you just need to allow time for the liver to heal. Rarely, it can be fatal in those over the age of 40. All travellers to Thailand should be vaccinated against hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B
The only sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can be prevented by vaccination, hepatitis B is spread by body fluids, including sexual contact. In some parts of Thailand up to 20% of the population are carriers of hepatitis B, and usually are unaware of this. The long-term consequences can include liver cancer, cirrhosis and death.
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is transmitted through contaminated food and water and has similar symptoms to hepatitis A, but is rare in travellers. It is a severe problem in pregnant women and can result in the death of both mother and baby. There is currently no vaccine, and prevention is by following safe eating and drinking guidelines.
HIV
HIV is now one of the most common causes of death in people under the age of 50 in Thailand. Heterosexual sex is the main method of transmission. Always practice safe sex, avoid getting tattoos or using unclean needles.
Influenza
Present year-round in the tropics, influenza (flu) symptoms include high fever, muscle aches, runny nose, cough and sore throat. Flu is the most common vaccine-preventable disease contracted by travellers and everyone should consider vaccination. There is no specific treatment, just rest and paracetamol. Complications such as bronchitis or middle ear infection may require antibiotic treatment.
Japanese B Encephalitis
While a rare disease in travellers, at least 50,000 locals are infected each year in Southeast Asia. This viral disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. Most cases occur in rural areas and vaccination is recommended for travellers spending more than one month outside of cities, or long-term expats. There is no treatment, and a third of people infected will die, while another third will suffer permanent brain damage. Thailand is a high-risk area.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is contracted from exposure to infected fresh water – most commonly after river rafting or canyoning. Early symptoms are very similar to the flu and include headache and fever. It can vary from a very mild ailment to a fatal disease. Diagnosis is made through blood tests and it is easily treated with Doxycycline.
Malaria
For such a serious and potentially deadly disease, there is an enormous amount of misinformation concerning malaria. Ensure you get expert advice as to whether your trip actually puts you at risk. Most parts of Thailand visited by tourists, particularly city and resort areas, have minimal to no risk of malaria, and the risk of side effects from taking anti-malarial tablets is likely to outweigh the risk of getting the disease itself. For some rural areas, however, the risk of contracting the disease outweighs the risk of any tablet side effects. Remember that malaria can be fatal. Before you travel, seek proper medical advice on the right medication and dosage for you.
Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. The most important symptom of malaria is fever, but general symptoms such as headache, diarrhoea, cough or chills may also occur – the same symptoms as many other infections. A diagnosis can only be made by taking a blood sample.