Courses/Boosters
Usually Advised
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio
Vaccines Sometimes
Advised
Japanese
B Encephalitis, Rabies, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B
Yellow Fever certificate
required if entering from an infected area.
Tetanus is contracted
through dirty cuts and scratches and causes a serious infection of the nervous system.
Typhoid and Hepatitis
A are spread through contaminated food and water. Typhoid causes septicaemia and hepatitis A causes liver inflammation
and jaundice. In risk areas you should be immunised if good hygiene is impossible.
Tuberculosis is most
commonly transmitted via droplet infection. Those going to countries where it is common, especially those mixing closely with
the local population and those at occupational risk, e.g. health care workers, should ensure that they have previously been
immunised. Check with your doctor or nurse.
Diphtheria is also
spread by droplet infection through close personal contact. Vaccination is advised if close contact with locals in risk areas
is likely.
Hepatitis B is spread
through infected blood, contaminated needles and sexual intercourse. It affects the liver, causes jaundice and occasionally
liver failure. Those visiting his risk areas for long periods or at occupational risk should be immunised.
Japanese B Encephalitis is spread
by mosquitoes. It is a serious infection of the brain and vaccination is advised for those in risk areas unable to avoid mosquito
bites, staying for long periods (e.g. more than 4 weeks) or visiting rural areas.
Rabies is spread
through bites or licks on broken skin from an infected animal. It is always fatal. Vaccination is advised for those going
to risk areas that will be remote from a reliable source of vaccine. Even when pre-exposure vaccines have been received urgent
medical advice should be sought after any animal bite.
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes. You cannot
be vaccinated against malaria. Malaria risk is present throughout the country including the areas around the famous temple
of Angkor Wat near Siem Reap. Risk is minimal in capital city Phnom Penh, the nearby Mekong river delta and in the rice growing areas around the large inland lake of Tonle Sap.
Precautions are essential. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially
after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin, and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net. Doxycycline is
usually recommended for western provinces. Mefloquine or doxycycline can be used for other risk areas. Atovaquone/proguanil
is an alternative to mefloquine or doxycycline. Prompt investigation of fever is essential, even up to 1 year after return.
