Travel health advice: Dengue fever in Vietnam
Friday, 11 Jul 2008 10:04
A dengue fever outbreak in southern Vietnam has caused the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to update its travel advice for the south-east Asian country.
The provincial health departments in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta have confirmed an outbreak of the hemorrhagic disease this month.
The worst affected area is Soc Trang province in the Delta, where over 1,900 cases have been reported in the six months to July 2008.
An outbreak of anthrax in the Meo Vac district of Ha Giang province has also been reported this month.
Travellers to this part of the far north of Vietnam should "avoid contact with livestock and ensure meat has been properly cooked", the FCO advises.
Vietnam also regularly reports cases of malaria, Japanese encephalitis, cholera and Avian influenza (bird flu).
The FCO does not advise against travel to Vietnam but warns people planning a holiday there to ensure they take precautions, obtain the necessary vaccinations and ensure they have comprehensive travel medical insurance cover.
It is particularly important to avoid drinking water that is not bottled and sealed and to pay attention to hygiene.