Vietnam

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• Malaria is present in Vietnam, except in coastal areas and deltas where no chimioprophylaxy is necessary. In the rest of the country, strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone-3 resistance).
• Dengue fever is endemic in the country, and it is essential to take prevention measures against mosquitoes. The number of reported cases has known a sharp increase during the spring of 2008 in the south of the country (+50% compared to the same period in 2007).
• Vietnam has been site by the avian flu epizootic, with numerous human cases (44 deaths between 2003 and June 2007; the outbreak had seemed under control since the end of year 2005, but new lethal human cases have been reported during spring 2007).
• Cases of Japanese encephalitis have been observed in the north of the country. This disease, which exists only in Asia (rural areas), is transmitted by mosquitoes.
• Rabies is endemic in Vietnam. It is recommended to be very careful with wandering animals, even in urban areas.
• The HIV prevalence is sizeable.
• Diarreic diseases are common. Northern provinces have been hit since March 2008 by acute diarrhea and cholera outbreaks.

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 (except if you stay in deltas or on the coast): mefloquine (commercial name: Lariam) or doxycycline (commercial name: Doxypalu).

HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURES

Hanoi
• French Hospital, Phuong Mai, Dong Da : téléphone (84-4) 577 11 00
• Hanoi Family Medical Practice, A1 Van Phuc, Kim Ma : téléphone (84-4) 846 17 48/49 ou 843 0748, urgences 24h/24 0903 401 919



Ho Chi Minh city
• Franco-Vietnamese hospital, 6 Nguyen Luang Bang Street, Than Phu Ward, District 7: phone (84-8) 411 33 33
• International medical center, 1 Han Thuyen Stret, District 1: phone (84-8) 865 40 25 (24/7 emergencies) ou 827 23 66
• Family Medical Practice, Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan Street, District 1: phone (84-8) 822 7848, fax (84-8) 822 7859



Danang
• Family Medical Practice Da Nang, 50-52 Nguyen Van Linh Str., Nam Duong Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City: phone (84) 511 583 699, fax (84) 511 583 049

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Police: 13
• Firemen: 14
• Ambulances: 15

CLIMATE

• Climate is tropical, hot and wet. There is a significant difference between the south of the country (very high temperatures in March and April, around 35°C) and the north, which is cooler. There are abundants rains from July to January in central Vietnam, and from July to November in the south.
• The rain season leasts from May to October in the north, when temperatures are high (30 to 40°C). There are pouring rains in July and August, as well as frequent typhoons between September and November.
• The dry season, from December to April, is pleasant, with mild temperatures.
• When to go: between December and April.