Cambodia

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. In Cambodia, malaria transmission occurs in many parts of the country. For some travellers, prescription medicine to prevent malaria is required. Talk to your doctor about your itinerary and the best malaria medication to take. Prevention also involves mosquito avoidance, particularly at night, including the use of repellant, bed nets and appropriate clothing.

Dengue fever is one of the most common infections among Australian travellers to South East Asia. Transmitted by infected 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. In Cambodia, the risk of infection is generally higher from June to August (the country's wet season), although cases can occur during the dry season. For travellers to Cambodia prevention generally relies on mosquito avoidance, including the use of effective mosquito repellant, wearing protective clothing and staying in screened accomodation.

The rabies virus is carried by dogs, cats, monkeys and other mammals in most parts of the world, including Cambodia. The virus is transmitted to humans mainly through their bites and scratches. Once symptoms have started, the illness is almost universally fatal. Rabies pre-exposure vaccination may be recommended by your doctor depending on your itinerary and activities in Cambodia. This is particulary important for travellers who are performing occupational or recreational activities that increase their risk of exposure to potentially rabid animals and might have difficulty gaining prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis. If rabies exposure occurs while in Cambodia you should seek immediate medical attention. Effective preventive therapy exists and this is required, even if you have been immunised prior to travel.

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. Diarrhoea and food-borne infections in travellers are common in Cambodia. To avoid getting sick it's important to avoid drinking water that has not been bottled or treated and ice, unless you know it has been made from safe drinking water. Avoid raw and undercooked food. Street food is best when you have seen it cooked in front of you. Travellers to Cambodia should also consider carrying rehydration salt sachets and an antidiarrheal.

If you are infected during your trip, the most important aspect of treatment is the maintenance of adequate hydration. This can be achieved with oral rehydration solutions which replace fluid and salts. Antibiotics are usually reserved for cases of severe or pronged infection or when someone 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.