South East Asia

Vietnam

Vietnam is a poor agrarian country controlled by a Communist government. Tourist facilities are not well established, but are improving in certain areas.

CRIME: While Vietnam is generally a safe country, street crime is a serious problem in Ho Chi Minh City and, to a lesser extent, throughout Vietnam. Generally, crime in Ho Chi Minh City is limited to pick-pocketing or snatch-and-grab type of incidents, and the theft of unattended bags, briefcases and other personal items.

Travellers to Vietnam are advised to exercise caution when visiting places where drinking of alcoholic beverages is prevalent. There have been a number of incidents reported in which a suspected toxic or other unknown type of substance was used to taint drinks, leaving the victim susceptible to further criminal acts. Travelers should avoid purchasing liquor from street vendors, as the quality of the contents cannot be assured.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities in Vietnam do not meet western standards and frequently lack medicines and supplies. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services. Medical personnel may speak only halting English.

Arthropodborne diseases:

• Dengue fever
• Filariasis
• Japanese enchephalitis
• Malaria in many rural regions, particulary in border regions to Myanmar and Cambodia
• Plague

We recommend:

• Usage of long-sleeved shirt and long pants to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects
• Usage og 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:

• Amoebiasis
• Cholera
• ETEC (E.coli)
• Giardiasis
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis E
• Typhoid fever

Other diseases:

• Hepatitis B
• Rabies
• HIV

Vaccinations recommended:

• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
• Hepatitis B or immune globulin
• Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation.
• Typhoid vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region.
• A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within the last 10 years.
• Japanese encephalitis, only if you plan to visit rural areas for 4 weeks or more
• Yellow fever, when entering from a yellow fever endemic region.

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
• Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.
• Use malaria prophlaxis in the form of mefloquine in risk areas (chloroquine resistance)
  

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Updated 21-Jul-2003 • İtraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster

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