1) A yellow
fever vaccination certificate is needed from travellers
coming from infected areas. The countries and regions included in
the yellow fever endemic zones are regarded by Indonesia as infected
areas.
2) Following World Health Organisation guidelines issued in 1973,
a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer
needed as condition of entry to Indonesia. However, cholera is a
severe risk and precautions are vital. Up-to-date advice should
be sought before deciding if these precautions should include vaccination
as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.
3) Typhoid is present. Poliomyelitis transmission
has been stopped in Indonesia but in early 2005 several cases were
detected.
4) Malaria exists throughout the year everywhere
except in the main tourist resorts of Bali and Java, Jakarta municipality
and other big cities where risk is minimal. The malignant form falciparum
is highly resistant to chloroquine and resistant to sulfadoxine/
pyrimethane. The benign form vivax is said to be resistant to chloroquine
in Irian Jaya, where mefloquine is recommended.
Food
and drink
All water should be seen as a potential health risk. Water used
for drinking, making ice or brushing teeth should have 1st been
boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk in Indonesia is unpasteurised
and should always be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available
and should be used, but make sure that it is reconstituted with
pure water. Avoid dairy products that are made from un-boiled milk.
Eat only well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Mayonnaise
and salads may carry increased risk. Vegetables should always be
cooked and fruit peeled.
Other risks
Amoebic and bacillary dysentery
occurs.
Hepatitis A and E arise and hepatitis
B is highly endemic.
Dengue fever, giardiasis,
Japanese Encephalitis and Parityphoid
can also occur. Tuberculosis and diphtheria
vaccinations are sometimes advised. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis)
is present in parts of central Sulawesi.
Avoid swimming in fresh water, the swimming pools which
are well chlorinated and maintained are considered safe.
Rabies
is present and for those at high risk, a vaccination before arrival
should be considered. If you are bitten, seek immediate medical
advice. For more information, consult the Health
appendix.
Health care
Health insurance that includes emergency repatriation
cover is strongly recommended. Adequate medical care is available
in all major cities, but emergency services are usually inadequate
outside major cities. Fees must be paid before leaving the hospital
and although medical costs are comparatively cheap, drugs can be
expensive.
