1) A yellow
fever vaccination certificate is needed from travellers
over 1 year of age arriving within 6 days from infected areas.
2) Following World Health Organization guidelines issued in 1973,
a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition
of entry to Sri Lanka. Cholera is a serious risk and precautions
are essential. Medical advice should be sought before deciding
whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical
opinion is divided over its effectiveness. See the Health
appendix.
3) Typhoid is present in rural areas.
4) Malaria risk, in the benign vivax
form, exists throughout the year in the districts of Amparai,
Anuradhapura, Badulla, Batticaloa, Hambantota, Jaffna, Kandy,
Kegalle, Kurunegala, Mannar, Matale, Matara, Moneragala, Polonnaruwa,
Puttalam, Ratnapura, Trincomalee and Vavuniya. The malignant falciparum
strain is present and is highly resistant to chloroquine.
All water should be regarded as being contaminated. Water used
for drinking or making ice should be boiled or otherwise sterilized.
Milk is not pasteurized and should also be boiled. Tinned or powdered
is available but make sure that it is reconstituted with purified
water. Avoid dairy products that are made from un boiled milk.
Eat well cooked meat and fish that is served hot. Salad, pork,
and mayonnaise carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked
and fruits peeled.
Additional risks
Hepatitis A, C and E is present and hepatitis B
is hyper-endemic.
Dengue fever occurs.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination
before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical
advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health
appendix.
Health care
Treatment is free at government dispensaries and hospitals; 24-hour
treatment is available at Colombo General Hospital.
Some hotels also have doctors on call. |
