1) Travellers arriving within
six days from infected areas need to have a yellow fever
vaccination certificate.
2) According to WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination
certificate is not a requirement to enter Laos. However, cholera
is a bad and dangerous threat and precautions are strongly advised. Current
advice should be sought before deciding whether or not to receive
a vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.
See the Health appendix.
3) Typhoid may exist. Poliovirus transmission has been controlled,
but complete elimination is not yet certain.
4) Malaria risk is present
all year in the whole country, apart from Vientiane. The malignant
falciparum form is present and is reported to be highly resistant
to chloroquine.
Food
& drink
All water should be considered as being possibly contaminated. Water that
used for drinking, making ice or brushing teeth should first be
boiled or otherwise sterilized. Milk is not pasteurized,
so it should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is
recommended; however, ensure that it is reconstituted with pure
water.
Avoid dairy products that may have been
produced from un-boiled milk. Only eat well-done meat and fish, ideally
served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk.
Fruit should be peeled and vegetables cooked.
Other
risks
Hepatitis A and E exist; hepatitis B is extremely
epidemic. Dengue fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria, and
Japanese encephalitis also exist. Some vaccinations may be recommended.
Liver fluke (opisthorchiasis) is existing; avoid eating undercooked
or raw fish.
Rabies is also existing. For anyone at high risk, vaccination prior
to arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical
attention immediately. For additional information, consult the
Health appendix.
Health
care
Any treatment is usually paid for in cash. Health insurance is
critical and should include coverage for air evacuation.
