Email     Print     Bookmark & Share
Vietnam travel Forum

Health

An outbreak of bird flu in 2004 claimed numerous human lives; recent outbreaks have also resulted in human fatalities. Avian flu in poultry has now spread to numerous provinces and cities across Vietnam. All care should be taken to avoid contact with live poultry and visitors are advised to exercise caution when eating poultry dishes, particularly raw or undercooked poultry products. Other health risks in the country include Hepatitis A and E, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, bilharzia, plague, cholera, diarrhoea and HIV/AIDS. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for travel outside the main cities and towns, the Red River delta and north of Nha Trang. There has been an increase in the amount of deaths relating to dengue fever over the past year, and visitors should take care to protect themselves from mosquito bites during the day, especially just after dawn and just before dusk, particularly in the southern Mekong Delta region. Travellers should seek medical advice about vaccinations at least three weeks before leaving for Vietnam and ensure they have adequate insect protection. Typhoid can be a problem in the Mekong Delta. Those arriving from an infected area require a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Water is potable, but visitors usually prefer to drink bottled water. Decent health care is available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) with English-speaking doctors, and there is a surgical clinic in Da Nang, but more complicated treatment may require medical evacuation. Pharmacies throughout the country are adequate, but check expiry dates of medicines carefully. Health insurance is essential.


View information on diseases: Typhoid fever, Schistosomiasis (bilharzia), Plague, Malaria, Japanese encephalitis, HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Hepatitis E, Hepatitis A, Dengue Fever, Cholera

Vietnam travel Forum
Intrepid Travel, one of the world's leading suppliers of small group adventures, is focused on getting off the beaten track, interacting with locals and having real life experiences throughout Vietnam.
Discover Halong Bay - Vietnam in style with the Bhaya cruise, a flawless combination of traditional Eastern delicacy and Western luxury and comfort.
Indochina Sails - Luxury cruises with charm, comfort and perfect services in Halong Bay Vietnam.
Discover Mekong, an Indochina-based tour operator, provides private or small group tours, hotel reservations and visas to Vietnam & Indochina.
Savour Vietnam's scenic, historical, cultural and culinary delights with G.A.P Adventures.
Anchors away in Halong Bay. Meet the hilltribes of Sapa and drift along the Mekong to Phu Quoc Island. Build your own Vietnam trip.