Rabies
Thailand has been working
towards elimination of rabies and considerable progress has
been made. Nonetheless, travelers are advised to take preventive
measures if their itinerary allows possible exposure to animal
bites. Prior to travel to rural communities, a series of three
intramuscular injections of the rabies vaccine are recommended.
If you do get bitten by a dog or other animal, seek prompt
medical attention. The post-exposure vaccine is usually effective
if administered without delay.
Hepatitis
There are two major groups
of viral hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), which differ
in the way they are transmitted.
| • |
Hepatitis A and E,
spread by contaminated food and water, are endemic in
many parts of Asia. Most locals are immune to these diseases
but travelers can be infected. General preventive measures
against diarrhea are effective against hepatitis A and
E. Vaccination against the disease is also possible. |
| • |
Hepatitis B, C and
D are contracted through contaminated blood (such
as transfusions and the use of non-sterile needles), sexual
contact or from infected mothers to their babies. The
mode of transmission is very similar to HIV/AIDS and the
risk of infection can be greatly diminished if precautions
are taken against this disease. Hepatitis B is generally
more severe than hepatitis A and long-term liver damage
and even cancer may result. An effective vaccination against
hepatitis B is available at most medical services. |
HIV/AIDS
Infection with the human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) leads to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS),
a disease that is fatal and as of yet incurable. HIV is transmitted
through contact with contaminated blood or body fluids. This
can be through sexual contact of any description, contaminated
needles, blood transfusions and even acupuncture, tattooing
or body piercing.
HIV/AIDS is spreading at worrying
speed in most Asian countries and this is largely the result
of unprotected sexual contacts and intravenous drug use. In
Thailand, more than 80% of known cases are the result of heterosexual
contacts.
The best protection against
HIV is avoidance of all forms of casual sex, either with prostitutes
or with otherwise healthy-looking persons. Next to this, the
best protection is through ‘safe’ sex using a latex condom.
The leading brands of condom are widely available in Thailand,
at convenience stores and supermarkets. It’s worth noting
that HIV infection is not restricted to Bangkok and the main
tourist scenes. Most recorded infections have occurred provincially,
with the greatest prevalence in the northern region.
Sexually
Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Urethritis remains the most
common treatable sexually transmitted disease among tourists
to Asia. These days syphilis has declined in prevalence but
gonorrhea and herpes are still quite common and often drug
resistant.
The only sure way of avoiding
STDs is abstinence from sexual intercourse. Use of latex condoms
also offers effective but not total protection.
For further information, contact
the International Communicable Disease Control Section of
the Ministry of Public Health, Tel. +66 2 286 5114, the Airport
Health Office, Tel. +66 2 535 1482, the Port Health Office,
Tel. +66 2 249 4110.
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