Bhutan : Travel Health

WARNING! This information is out-dated and likely to be inaccurate!

Researching Travel Plans

Please note that this health information about Bhutan may be out-of-date. Always research the current health conditions and issues in any region you plan to visit prior to departure.

Infectious Diseases and Medical Concerns for Bhutan

The following medical diseases or health concerns are more common in travel to Bhutan (compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World):

• travelers' diarrhea
• cholera
• malaria
• Escherichia coli diarrhea
• hepatitis A
• typhoid fever
• Insect born diseases
• parasitic diseases
• Dengue fever
• filariasis
• leishmaniasis
• Japanese encephalitis
• onchocerciasis
• plague - risk for travelers is small
• toxoplasmosis
• HIV/AIDS
• hepatitis B
• Tuberculosis
• chickungunya

More Common Diseases and Medical Concerns for Bhutan

The following health concerns or diseases are more commonly found in Bhutan compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World:

• motor vehicle trauma - wear seatbelts and avoid night driving
• snake bite
• altitude sickness if going to high altitudes

Uncommon or Rare Diseases and Medical Concerns for Bhutan

These medical diseases or health concerns are uncommon or rare in Bhutan:

• yellow fever - no current risk but vaccination certification may be required for entry

Vaccinations for Travel to Bhutan

The following medical vaccinations are desirable or helpful for travel to Bhutan to prevent contagious diseases in Bhutan:

• hepatitis A - or immune globulin (IG)
• hepatitis B - If you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, stay longer than 6 months, or be exposed through medical treatment.
• Japanese encephalitis - only if you plan to visit rural areas for 4 weeks or more
• rabies - if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation
• typhoid - important because of resistant strains of causative agent
• tetanus - booster dose as needed
• diphtheria - booster dose as needed
• measles - booster dose as needed
• polio

Preventions or Health Precautions for Travel to Bhutan

Any health risk of travel to Bhutan may be reduced by the following precautionary health measures when visiting Bhutan:

• Take your malaria prevention medication before/during/after travel as directed
• high rate of motor vehicle trauma - avoid night driving and wear seatbelts
• mosquito bite prevention
• insect bite protection
• avoid drinking non-treated water - only drink bottled or canned water
• eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself
• keep feet clean and dry - help prevent parasitic infections
• do not go barefoot - help prevent parasitic infections
• always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
• don't eat food purchased from street vendors
• don't drink beverages with ice
• don't share needles with anyone
• don't handle animals (especially monkeys/dogs/cats) - to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague - risk for travelers is small)
• don't swim in fresh water. Salt water is usually safer
• use sunblock and take sunglasses and a hat
• avoid crowded public places and public transportation whenever possible
• Earthquakes may occur - take care and heed local precautions

Other Relevant Issues for Travel to Bhutan

The following may be issues relevant to travel to Bhutan:

• medical care is substandard, hospital beds are limited and modern technology is lacking
• there may be consular warnings against travel to the country
• check latest advice for updates

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