1: Proof
of a vaccination certificate for yellow fever or typhus is needed
from visitors over 1 year of age arriving within 6 days from
any infected areas. A vaccination certificate is also needed by
those arriving from small pox or plague infected areas.
2: Following World Health Organization guidelines, a cholera vaccination
certificate is not a condition of entry to the Philippines except for the
visitors arriving from infected areas. Cholera is a risk in the Philippines and precautions are necessary. Advice should be sought before
deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as
medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.
3: Vaccination against typhoid is recommended.
4: The risk of malaria exists in areas below 600 metre's throughout
the year. Exceptions include the Provinces of Bohol, Catanduanes,
Cebu and Manila. There are no risks in urban areas or in the plains.
The malignant falciparum strain still occurs and apparently
is resistant to chloroquine.
Food
and drink
Water should always be boiled or sterilised before drinking, brushing
teeth or making ice. Milk is not pasteurised and should also be boiled
before consuming. Powdered milk or tinned is available and is advised
but reconstitute with pure water. Avoid dairy products made from
un boiled milk. Meat and fish should be served hot and well-cooked.
Pork, salad and mayonnaise carry risk. Fruits should be peeled and
vegetables should be cooked.
Other
health risks
Bilharzia (schistosomiasis)
is
always present
in the southern regions. Do not swim and paddle in stagnant
fresh water. Maintained and chlorinated swimming pools are safe.
Dengue and filariasis are present and carried by insects.
Hepatitis B still exists and Hepatitis A
is present. Japanese Encephalitis rarely occurs in western
Luzon, Mindoro and Palawan between April and November and throughout
the year in other areas, with the highest risk between April and January.
Chikungunya fever is regular in urban areas of the central
islands such as Manila. A type of Gonorrhea resistant to
penicillin is common, especially in Manila and Cebu City.
Rabies is endemic and for those at high risk, a vaccination
before arrival should be considered. Seek medical treatment if you
are bitten. Health care: There is no reciprocal
agreement with the UK and health insurance is essential. About 3-quarters
of the hospitals are private.
