Laos

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• There is malaria everywhere in the country, except in Vientiane. High-risk zones are low-altitude, forest and mountainous areas between 400 and 1000 m. Strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3).
• Two human case of H5N1 (avian flu) have been confirmed in Laos. An epidemic focus having been discovered in the Luang Namtha province, it is recommended to avoid travelling to this area.
• Laos is regularly confronted to dengue epidemics, particularly in the south: in June 2008, health authorities have confirmed that a dengue outbreak was hitting the Saravane and Sekong provinces. Protect yourself thoroughly from mosquitoes.
• There are cases of animal rabies in the country.
• Diarreic diseases are very 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

• In case of accident or serious health incident, medical care are not adapted in the whole country. The situation is particularly preoccupying in regions which are far from the capital city, given the shortage of transportation means, particularly at night.
• It is a better option to get treated in Thailand (the Aek private hospital in Udon Thani - phone 66 42 34 10 33 - can send an ambulance at the border). There is no possibility of direct evacuation towards neighboring Thai cities through helicopter.



Vientiane
• Australian Embassy Health Centre, P.O. Box 292: phone + 856 21 413 603, fax + 856 21 414 700
• International Medical Clinic, Mahosot, Fa Ngum Road: phone + 856 21 4018/4022/4025
• Swedish Embassy Clinic, Sok Paluang: phone + 856 31 5015

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Police: 191
• Police (Vientiane): 21 27 03/06
• Firemen / first aid: 190

CLIMATE

• The rain season (monsoon) lasts between April and October. The hottest months (30° to 35°) are April, May and October.
• The dry season, from November to February, is pleasant, with mild temperatures. In altitude, temperatures are cooler, or even cold, in December and January.
• When to go: between November and February.