Myanmar

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• Malaria is present in the countries, in rural areas (no risk in Yangon and Mandalay). Strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3).
• An outbreak of avian flu has been reported in the suburbs of Yangon on February 27, 2007. The first human case has been identified in Kengtum, in the state of Shan.
• Mosquito-borne diseases are frequent. Dengue fever cases are on the rise each year during the rain season, from May to October. Cases of chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis may also be reported.
• Several outbreaks occurred during the summer 2008 as a consequence of the Nargis typhoon (dengue fever, tuberculosis...).
• Avoid bathing in fresh water (rivers, lakes), due to the risk of leptospirosis.
• Diarrheic diseases are very common, due to bacterias, amoebaes or parasites.

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

• Travellers entering the country from an endemic area are required to present a certificate of immunization against yellow fever.
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: for stays longer than a month in rural areas during the rain season. The immunization is available for children at least one year old.
• 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

• Doctors are qualified but health infrastructures are ill-equipped, especially outside the capital city.
• In case of a serious medical problem, it is recommended to go to Thailand or Singapore.



Yangon
• Academy Private Hospital, 335 Lower Kyee Myin Daing Road, Htar Nar Ward: phone + 95 1 229 746
• Australian Embassy Health Clinic, 62 U Wisara Road, Dagon Township: phone + 95 1 531342
• Home Medicare Service Clinic, No. 30 Shwe Taung Tan Street, Lanmadaw Township: phone + 95 1 225791, fax + 95 1 225 791
• Pacific Medical Center, 81 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, Bahan: phone + 95 1 548022, fax 95 1 542979



Mandalay
• Mandalay General Hospital, 30th Street between 74th Street & 77th Street: phone + 95 2 21041
• Universities Hospital, Aung Mingala Ward, University Estate: phone + 95 2 21805

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Firemen : 191
• Police / ambulances : 199

CLIMATE

• The dry season lasts from October to March, and is marked by sunny days and pleasant temperatures. The hot season, from April to June, is marked by very high temperatures, particularly inside the country.
• Monsoon is permanent in Yangon from June to October. The inside of the country is slightly less rainy at that time.
• When to go: between October and March.