Cambodia

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• The whole country is hit by malaria, except Phnom Penh and Lake Tonle Sap; Northern border and forest areas are high-risk zones. Strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (level 3 resistance).
• Cambodia is hit by the avian flu epizootic. Since the beginning of the latest epidemic episode, on April 5 2007, seven persons died from the disease.
• Dengue fever is endemic in the country.
• There are cases of animal rabies (dogs, cats, pigs, monkeys).
• HIV prevalence is sizeable.
• There are venomous animals in some regions (snakes, spiders), but the supply of antivenomous serum is irregular.
• Diarrheic diseases are common.

FOOD SAFETY

• Gastric diseases are common among tourists who are not accustomed to local food or who do not take precautions.
• Do not drink tap water and favor bottled mineral water, without ice ; avoid eating ice cream and sherbet.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked dishes, especially meat or fish. If possible, order hot dishes.
• Bring anti-diarrhea medication with you.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before each meal.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND MEDICATION

• It is required to present a certificate of immunization against yellow fever for travelers who are coming from an endemic area.
Systematically:
• Hepatitis A: the vaccination is available for children at least one year old. For persons who were born before 1945, who have spent their childhood in a developing country or who have had an icterus, it may prove useful to search previously for serous antibodies in order to avoid an unnecessary shot.
• Hepatitis B: the vaccination is available for children at least two months old.
• Diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis: get a booster shot before leaving if your last shot is more than ten years old.



Depending on the duration and conditions of the trip:
• Typhoid fever: if the stay is occurring in precarious hygiene condition. The immunization is available for children at least 2 years old.
• Rabies: recommended for long stays in isolation. The immunization should be given to children as soon as they are able to walk.
• Japanese encephalitis: in case of a long stay in a rural area.
• Tuberculosis: in case of a long stay, it is recommended to have children immunized against tuberculosis as soon as they reach the age of one month, and against mumps, measles and rubella when they reach the age of nine months.
• Recommended chemoprophylaxis against malaria: mefloquine (commercial name: Lariam) or doxycycline (commercial name: Doxypalu).

HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURES

Phnom Penh
• Calmette hospital: phone + 855 (0) 23 30 03 40 or + 855 (0) 11 42 69 48 (cell phone for on-duty doctor)
• Naga Medical Centre, 11 Street 254, St. Senei Vinna Vaut Oum, PO Box 1155, Phnom Penh: phone + 855 11 81 11 75, fax + 855 11 81 11 75
• Tropical & Travellers Medical Services, No. 88 Street 108 (opposite Military Police Headquarters), Wat Phnom Quarter, Phnom Penh: phone + 855 23 366 802



Siem Reap
• Siem Reap emergency medical care: phone + 855 63 76 11 19
• Royal Angkor International Hospital, National Route #6 (Airport Road), Siem Reap - Angkor: phone + 855 63 761 888
• Naga International Clinic, 593 Road No. 6 Airport Road, Siem Reap - Angkor: phone + 855 63 964 500, fax + 855 63 963 274

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Firemen / emergency medical care / police: 119

CLIMATE

• Cambodia has a tropical climate with two seasons.
• During the dry season, from November to March, temperatures remain around 30°C and days are usually sunny.
• During the monsoon, from May to October, the air is very humid and hot (35°C) with short and violent rainfalls. Floods are frequent.
• When to go: between November and March.