Brunei
Travel Destination – Brunei
Brunei, a tiny nation on the northern coast of the Island of Borneo is known for its tropical climate, opulent architecture, lush rainforests and pristine landscapes. The culture is a unique blend of Malay, Islamic, and indigenous traditions with influences from Chinese and Indian communities as well.
The population enjoys a high standard of living and its national healthcare system ranks as one of the best in Asia. Despite this, there are health risks in Brunei which don't exist in Australia, so it's worth taking some time to prepare.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
It’s a good idea to discuss your trip with a travel doctor. They will provide a detailed travel health plan tailored to your specific itinerary within Brunei. Your doctor will also discuss your immunisations, provide scripts for the vaccines you decide on and check that you have prescriptions for any recommended medications. Ideally, book your appointment at least six to eight weeks before you travel, so that if you need multiple vaccinations these can be spaced out. With less time before you travel it is still worth seeing a travel doctor, as accelerated schedules of some vaccinations can be arranged.
Insect avoidance
Dengue, malaria and Japanese encephalitis are some examples of the many diseases carried by mosquitoes in Brunei. Avoiding insect bites, especially in wooded areas and when you're outside, is one of the key preventive measures for this group of infections. Strategies include sleeping in airconditioned rooms or spaces with fly screens (and where this is not possible, under permethrin treated mosquito nets), wearing long sleeves and long pants when outside, and using insecticides containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Mosquito coils and electrical vaporising mats can also be useful on verandas and other outdoor spaces.
Food and water hygiene
By using a few simple precautions, it is still possible to enjoy the diverse local cuisine in Brunei while minimising your risk of gastroenteritis and other gastrointestinal infections. Always wash your hands or use antiseptic hand gel prior to eating. Avoid raw, undercooked or reheated food. Street food is safest when it has been cooked in front of you and fruits and vegetables are best when they can be peeled before consuming, like bananas and mangoes. Drink only boiled, filtered or bottled water and avoid untreated tap water and ice made from it.
Rabies prevention
The rabies virus is carried by dogs, cats and other mammals in most parts of the world, and transmitted mainly through their bites and scratches. Australia is one of the few parts of the world where rabies transmission does not occur. While rabies is not as prevalent in Brunei as other parts of the world, travellers are at risk. Once symptoms have started, the illness is almost universally fatal.
Prevention involves avoiding animals, particularly dogs and cats. A vaccine is available for use prior to travel. This may be recommended by your doctor if you will be working with or spending considerable time with animals or travelling in remote areas. After animal bites, immediate treatment is required to protect against the development of symptoms, even if you have received earlier immunisation.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for Brunei?
Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis A is an acute viral infection of the liver acquired by ingesting contaminated food or water. Illness varies in severity and can occasionally be severe and life-threatening. While the prevalence in most Australian communities is low, the virus is more common in Asia. People who haven’t previously received a two-dose course of Hepatitis A vaccination are recommended to be immunised prior to travel to Brunei. This is particularly important for travellers who will be doing high risk activities, such as eating street food or visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where they may become infected through food or water.
Typhoid
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Typhoid is a systemic bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi. Contracted through ingestion of contaminated food or water, it causes high fevers, fatigue, headaches, abdominal pain and gastrointestinal upset. Although food and health standards are relatively good in Brunei there is still a risk to travellers who eat street food or ingest contaminated water. A typhoid vaccine is available which provides three years of protection. This may be recommended by your doctor. Immunisation is particularly important for travellers staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Hepatitis B
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The hepatitis B virus can cause long-term infection of the liver. It is transmitted through sexual contact and sharing of personal items, like shaving razors. Infections can vary in severity and may require prolonged courses of antiviral medication. Hepatitis B vaccination is now a part of the routine vaccination schedule in Australia. The immunisation may be recommended for unvaccinated people of all ages travelling to Brunei, especially those making frequent trips or spending prolonged periods of time.
Japanese encephalitis virus
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For most people who contract the Japanese encephalitis virus, symptoms are mild and many people don't even notice they have been infected. For a small number, however, it can lead to a life-threatening infection of the brain, requiring admission to an intensive care unit. Prevention involves avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly at dusk and night-time. An immunisation against the Japanese encephalitis virus is available and your doctor may recommend this depending on your length of stay and whether you plan to travel to rural areas. It is also recommended for travellers who are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live.
Routine vaccinations
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In Australia, the transmission of many common infections are kept at very low levels through widespread routine immunisation. This is not always the case in other countries, and rates of infections such as measles, mumps and rubella may be much higher than at home. The lead up to overseas trips is a good time to review your routine vaccinations and get boosters where you need them. These will include immunisations against influenza, COVID-19, measles, tetanus and others.
Brunei
Other health risks in Brunei
Gastroenteritis
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Gastroenteritis or travellers’ diarrhoea is usually caused by bacteria ingested in contaminated food or water. Bacteria commonly responsible include Campylobacter, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella. In cases of bacterial infection, symptoms typically begin within 24 to 72 hours and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.
The most important aspect of treatment is maintenance of adequate hydration. This can be achieved with oral rehydration solutions which replaces fluid and salts. Antibiotics are usually reserved for cases of severe or pronged infection or when the patient has risk factors for complications.
The illness usually resolves on its own in one to three days. Medical attention is required, when symptoms are not typical, when they are prolonged or severe, or at any time when it is not possible to replace fluids faster than they are being lost. Prevention revolves around good hand hygiene before eating and avoidance of high-risk foods and drinks.
Dengue
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Dengue fever is one of the most common infections among Australian travellers to Asia. Dengue fever is present in Brunei especially in urban areas. The risk is heightened during rainy season with a peak period between June and August. It is transmitted by mosquitoes. The dengue fever virus causes fever, fatigue, muscle and joint pains, and rash. The first time they are infected, most people recover in one to two weeks. When more severe forms of dengue fever occur, it is usually in the context of repeat infection. In these cases, complications of bleeding and dangerously low blood pressure can occur which may be fatal without appropriate treatment. For Australian travellers, prevention generally relies on mosquito avoidance. Mosquitoes transmitting dengue fever virus are more common in urban areas and tend to bite during the day.
Malaria
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Malaria is a parasitic infection of the liver and red blood cells which causes high fevers, fatigue and muscle aches. In its most severe form, it can cause severe anaemia and brain infection which are rapidly life-threatening. Malaria transmission in Brunei is rare and generally limited to forest and forest-fringe areas. Mosquito avoidance is key to prevention in these areas. Speak to your doctor about whether other strategies for malaria prevention are required for your trip.
Rabies
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The rabies virus is carried by dogs, cats, monkeys and other mammals in most parts of the world, and transmitted mainly through their bites and scratches. Australia is one of the few countries where rabies transmission does not occur. Once symptoms have started, the illness is almost universally fatal. Prevention involves avoiding animals, particularly dogs, cats and monkeys. Vaccination may be recommended for those who will be working with or spending considerable time with animals and those who will be travelling to areas with limited health care. After animal bites, vaccination is required to protect against the development of symptoms, even if the person has received earlier immunisation. This needs to be started as soon as possible, so those suffering an animal bite in Brunei should seek immediate medical attention.
Non-infectious conditions
Deep vein thrombosis
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Prolonged air, road and rail travel all carry with them the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This involves a solidifying of blood inside a blood vessel, caused by relative stasis in the flow of blood. Prevention involves getting up to move around at regular intervals during a long trip, staying well hydrated and, for those at risk of DVT, below-knee compression stockings can be worn. DVT is usually treated with blood-thinning medication.
Safety on the roads and elsewhere
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Part of travelling is trying new activities and going on new adventures. But before setting out, it is wise to know the risks and take measures to reduce them.
If you're planning motorbiking overseas ensure you have the necessary skills to ride, be aware of the road rules and always wear a helmet. For other road transport options, choose alternatives with functioning seatbelts.
Use caution when around waterways and follow the advice of local authorities. Crocodiles are common in Brunei and attacks have occurred along rivers. If you're boating, surfing or diving for the first time, choose an instructor who is well versed in all the necessary safety aspects.
If unfamiliar with hiking, wear boots which are already worn in, use sunscreen and insect repellent, pack light and stay within your limits when choosing your route.
Regardless of what you are planning, it's a good idea to have travel insurance which covers the cost of medical repatriation.