Advertorial Top 6 diseases in Thailand you should be aware of

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From its breathtaking, clear blue beaches to the warm climate and friendly locals, Thailand is a gorgeous country that attracts scores of foreign visitors each year. But like any country located in the tropics, the country is also home to several diseases that you need to be aware of. The good news is that none of these diseases are deal breakers if you’ve done your research, got the necessary vaccinations, and taken plenty of safety and precautionary measures. So, without further ado, our friends from Pacific Prime Thailand are here to share with you the top 8 diseases in Thailand so that you can travel and enjoy your holiday in peace.

1. Dengue Fever

Did you know that dengue fever is a common disease not just in Thailand, but in the rest of Southeast Asia as well? As a mosquito-borne viral infection, dengue fever causes fever, body aches, headaches, skin rashes, and severe flu-like illnesses. In extreme cases, dengue fever can lead to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF), which can be life-threatening. Symptoms include vomiting, bruising, uncontrolled bleeding, high fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

 

One of the best ways to protect yourself from dengue fever in Thailand (or indeed any other mosquito-borne diseases) is to stay clear of mosquitoes and stagnant water. Use mosquito repellent and wear loose, long-sleeved clothing.

 

2. Malaria

Malaria is another common disease to watch out for - especially during the wet season. Like dengue fever, malaria is spread through the bite of mosquitoes. Malaria is characterized by flu-like symptoms, including chills, headache, malaise, and fever. It can also lead to severe seizures, mental confusion, coma, and even death. There are five species of human malaria parasites, with the most dangerous one being Plasmodium falciparum.

 

If you’re traveling to malaria-present areas in Thailand, such as more rural or remote areas of the country, be sure to take the aforementioned precautionary measures. You may also want to consider antimalarial medication.

3. Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is yet another disease transmitted by mosquitoes that can cause inflammation of the brain and cognitive/neurological damage in severe cases. Other symptoms include fever, confusion, vomiting, headache, and difficulty moving. But fret not, the risk of getting this disease is not as high as other mosquito-borne illnesses, for instance, dengue fever. With that said, you should take extra caution if you’re planning to travel to rural areas for a prolonged period of time.

 

In the context of Thailand, Japanese encephalitis is most common in the northern region such as the Chiang Mai Valley. As there’s no effective treatment available, you’re highly advised to get the vaccine at least 6 weeks prior to visiting a high-risk area.

4. Leptospirosis

Spread through contact with soil, water, and food contaminated with the blood, urine, or tissue of an infected animal, leptospirosis is a rare bacterial disease affecting both humans and animals. Carriers of leptospirosis are usually dogs, rodents, buffalos, and farm animals so you’re more at risk if you’re planning to spend a lot of time outdoors or working closely with animals in Thailand. Common symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, headache, skin rash, jaundice, muscle aches (particularly on the legs), and vomiting. Severe cases can also result in meningitis, kidney malfunction, or death.

 

Avoid puddles in Thailand as they may be contaminated with animal urine. Moreover, consider wearing water-repellent boots and long pants if it’s raining heavily and/or flooding. And, finally, don’t touch your eyes, ears, or mouth if you’ve come into contact with contaminated substances.

 

5. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease

Common among young children, hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a contagious viral infection spread through physical contact with the infected person’s bodily secretion. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, painful red lesions on the inside of the mouth, red rash on palms and soles, loss of appetite, and irritability in toddlers and infants. While most people suffering mild symptoms will recover in several days, potential complications of hand-foot-and-mouth diseases range from meningitis to encephalitis, paralysis, and more.

 

You can lower your chances of getting hand-foot-and-mouth disease in Thailand by staying clear of people infected with the disease. Make sure you don’t share personal items with others and wash your hands frequently. What’s more, only consume thoroughly cooked, steaming hot food.

6. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, clammy skin, fever, chills, cough, and shaking. Many different types of organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia is highly contagious so it’s recommended to stay away from infected individuals. Although the majority of people who get pneumonia can be treated successfully, complications can arise if it's left untreated - especially amongst young children, the elderly, and those with a weak immune system.

 

To minimize your risk of getting pneumonia, make sure you maintain good personal hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap as your hands are in constant contact with different types of bacteria and viruses.

 

Planning to travel to Thailand? Don’t forget to secure a health insurance plan that will cover you while you’re in the area. The last thing you want is to be left stranded if you do get ill in the country. For more information on your health insurance options, please reach out to Pacific Prime Thailand. As a global health insurance brokerage, they’ve got 20+ years of experience helping expats and travelers navigate and simplify the world of health insurance. Contact them today!