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Health and Vacinations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1: A yellow fever or typhus vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving within six days from infected areas. A certificate is also required by those arriving from small pox or plague infected areas.

 

 

2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to the Philippines, unless travellers arrive from infected areas. However, cholera is a risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness; see the Health appendix for further information.

 

 

3: Vaccination against typhoid is advised.

 

 

4: Malaria risk exists throughout the year in areas below 600m (1969ft), except in the Provinces of Aklan, Bilaran, Bohol, Camiguin, Catanduanes, Capiz, Cebu, Guimaras, Iloila, Leyte, Manila, Masbate, North Samar and Sequijor. No risk is considered to exist in urban areas or in the plains. The malignant falciparum strain is present and is reported to be resistant to chloroquine.

 

 

Food & Drink

 

 

Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilized. Milk is un-pasteurized and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from un-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

 

 

Other Risks

 

 

Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is endemic in the south. Avoid swimming and paddling in stagnant fresh water; swimming pools that are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Dengue fever and filariasis occur and plague is carried by insects. Hepatitis B is highly endemic. Hepatitis A may occur. Japanese encephalitis occurs rarely in western Luzon, Mindoro and Palawan from April to November and throughout the year in other areas, with the highest risk from April to January. Leptospirosis is a risk. Chikungunya fever is particularly common in urban areas of the central islands, such as Manila. Gonorrhoea resistant to penicilin is common in the Philippines, particularly in Manila and Cebu City. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

 

 

Health Care

 

 

There is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK and health insurance is, therefore, essential. Approximately three-quarters of the hospitals are private.

 

 

Note:

 

 

Although there have been no reported cases of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the Philippines during the recent series of outbreaks, the World Health Organization has confirmed cases elsewhere in the region. If you are travelling to The Philippines you should consult your usual healthcare provider for travel medical advice before departure. The risk from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low provided that live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where there is contact with domestic, caged or wild birds are avoided. Ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

 

 

Orenzian Xperience advises that you should consult your usual healthcare provider for travel medical advice before departure. Orenzian Xperience will not be held responsible for any health conditions you have or consume on our Xperience.