Health in Phuket - common diseases and viruses
I-Z see page 1:A-H
Immunisations : Before travelling to Phuket, vaccinations for hepatitis A & B, typhoid and polio, plus boosters for tetanus-diphtheria and measles are recommended. Check with your local health clinic at least a month before departure.
Japanese Encephalitis : this viral infection, spread by mosquitoes, is very occasionally seen in Phuket. JE affects the central nervous system and can cause severe complications and death. In the majority of cases, only mild symptoms or no symptoms appear, but for more severe infections, it starts as a flu-like illness, with fever, chills, tiredness, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion and agitation, which can progress to a serious infection of the brain and death. There is a vaccine available, but it is not recommended if your travels are limited to Phuket.
Leptospirosis : very rarely, there are cases of leptospirosis in Phuket during the rainy season. The disease is spread through an organism found in rats’ urine, which contaminates water sources. Contact with contaminated water can cause infection, and lead to fever, puffy eyes and severe muscle pain, especially in the lower legs. More serious complications include kidney failure and death.
Malaria : there are incidences of this mosquito-borne disease in Phuket, though the vast majority of cases are seen in agricultural workers. Beach resort areas are considered malaria-free. Furthermore, the malarial strains here are believed to be resistant to western preventative drugs such as Larium. Anti-malarial drugs are not recommended if your travels are confined to the island. Prevention is the best way to go - use DEET-based repellants and cover up with long pants and light jackets in the evenings.
Marine life : bites and stings from sea creatures are not uncommon for swimmers and snorkellers, especially in the dry season when the waters are calm. While it may be painful, serious injury or death resulting from contact with local marine life is extremely rare. Jellyfish stings are the most common, and are treated with vinegar or a medication available at any health clinic - treatments do not alleviate the pain, but only stop the venom from spreading.
The sharp spines of sea urchins can cut through the skin and break off when touched. They should be removed carefully with tweezers. If the spines are deeply imbedded, use a stone or another blunt object to break up the spines, then soak the area in hot water for 30-90 minutes to neutralize the venom.
If stung by stonefish, stingrays or other stinging fish, soak the affected area in hot water, though not hot enough to scald the skin. A tetanus booster might also be a good idea. For cone fish and sea snake bites, apply a constrictive bandage over the bite and completely immobilize the limb. Seek medical attention immediately, since cone fish venom can significantly decrease respiration.
Pesticides : are still regrettably in widespread use by farmers, though efforts have been made to curb this practice. It is also common for produce to be treated with dyes to improve its appearance. Use of organic vegetables is on the rise, and the better restaurants will try to source chemical-free products.
Rabies : is very rare in Phuket, though the island has a stray dog problem and bites are fairly common. It may be wise to take the rabies vaccine before coming to Thailand, and it is a must if you are unlucky enough to be bitten. Any hospital will be able to administer the injections. Rabies is carried in the dog's saliva, so even contact by licking can be dangerous if you have an open wound. Dogs with rabies tend to act very aggressively, may show symptoms of dementia, and will foam at the mouth in late stages of the disease.
Scrub Typhus : is spread when infected mites bite the skin. Signs and symptoms of the disease include headache, runny nose, cough, nausea, high fever and chills, vomiting, constipation or diarrhoea and aching muscles. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection.
Venereal disease : urethritis is the most widespread sexually transmitted disease in Phuket, while syphilis, herpes and gonorrhoea are also common among sex workers and their clients. Condom use has helped to stem the spread of all venereal diseases in general.
