East Asia

Japan

Japan is a stable, highly developed parliamentary democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are widely available.

CRIME: Violent crime is rare, but it does exist. Incidents of pickpocketing of foreigners in crowded shopping areas of Tokyo has been a sporadic concern.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: While medical care in Japan is good, English-speaking physicians and medical facilities that cater to westerners expectations are expensive and not very widespread.

Arthropodborne diseases:

• Dengue fever
• Japanese encephalitis

We recommend:

• Usage of long-sleeved shirt and long pants to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects
• Usage of insect repellent containing DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide), in 30%–35% strength for adults and 6%–10% for children. Unless you are staying in air-conditioned or well-screened housing
• Usage of a bed net impregnated with the insecticide permethrin.
• Staying and sleeping in air-conditioned houses

Water- and foodborne diseases:

• Brucellosis
• Cholera
• ETEC (e.coli)
• Giardiasis
• Hepatitis A

Other diseases:

• Hepatitis B
• HIV

Vaccinations we recommend:

• Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin
• Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
• Japanes encephalitis, only if you plan to visit rural areas for 4 weeks or mor
• Rabies - if risk for contact with wild animals
• A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within th last 10 years.

Stay healthy:

• Wash hands often with soap and water.
• Drink only boiled water, or water and carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans
• Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.
• Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it
• Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents (applied sparingly at 4-hour intervals) and permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn.
• Prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot
• Do not travel at night
• Trafic accidents are frequent, be careful
• Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

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