Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is an increasingly popular tourist destination since the move to democratic rule. It is rich in history, culture and tradition with glorious scenery and friendly locals. Common destinations include Yangon (Rangoon) the capital, Bagan with hundreds of Stupa’s (Buddhist temples), Mandalay and Inle Lake.
The following information provides some broad and general guidelines about health risks and recommendations for travel to Myanmar. This should not be taken as a substitute for a personal consultation with one of our travel health doctors, whose advice will be specific for you and your trip and may include some things not mentioned here.
Six to eight weeks out from departure is a good time to have a travel health consultation. You may need blood tests to check immunity to diseases or need a course of vaccines like rabies for example, and this gives you plenty of time to get everything completed. If you are travelling sooner however it's not too late for an appointment, simply make one as soon as you can.
Everyone should be up to date for routine childhood immunisations and may need adult boosters for such diseases as tetanus, measles and hepatitis B.
Additional vaccines may also be recommended depending on your individual medical history, current itinerary and the likelihood of future travel.
Travellers diarrhoea, giardia and dysentery are just some of the illnesses caused by contaminated food and water.
To reduce your risk of illness observe strict food and water safety precautions.
Dengue fever is one of the mosquito borne diseases found in Myanmar, best avoided by taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites, particularly during the daytime in urban areas. Malaria is common in many parts of the country including popular tourist destinations.
Hepatitis A is usually recommended for travel to Myanmar.
A food and water borne disease, typhoid vaccination is recommended for some itineraries.
Consider pre-travel rabies vaccination (well before departure) for longer or remote trips, for those at increased risk and anyone wanting lifelong protection. Avoid animals, especially dogs. Thoroughly clean and disinfect any bites or scratches and seek prompt medical care for advice and post bite vaccines.
Read MoreIt is important to understand how to avoid this rare but potentially catastrophic mosquito borne disease. For those at significant risk there are a couple of vaccine options.
Read MoreIt is best to seek expert advice from one of our doctors about the need for preventive medication if travelling to risk areas. Mosquito avoidance is essential. Any fever occurring during or after travel requires prompt investigation to exclude malaria or other diseases.
Read MoreThere are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of gastro spoiling your trip, including taking a water filtration drink bottle and one of our customisable medication kits with guidelines for self-treatment.
Read MoreHealth care facilities in Myanmar are very basic. Carry a first aid kit as a minimum. Be sensible. Avoid motorbikes, especially without a helmet. Don’t swim when intoxicated and take advice from locals and signs.
Officially now under democratic rule, there is still significant military control. Ethnic tensions remain in peripheral parts of the country but mostly in non-tourist areas. Register with Smart Traveller for alerts. Ensure you have appropriate travel insurance.
Influenza is one of the most common vaccine preventable illnesses in travellers. In tropical climates there is no 'flu season', risk being all year round.
Read MoreEither abstain or pack condoms (and use them). Avoid sex workers. See a doctor on return for testing if you have put yourself at risk, and abstain until you are given the all clear.
Increasing in incidence in many parts of the world, dengue is a serious mosquito borne disease.
Read MoreWe generally think of Malaria and Hepatitis when we travel overseas, however Measles is usually long forgotten in the preparation. In fact there have been a significant amount of cases brought back to Australia by overseas travellers who are generally unaware that they are at risk. This has long known
MPox (formerly Monkey Pox) remains a concern in many parts of the world including Australia. Thankfully the risk to most travellers remains low but this is a dynamic space. Travelers should avoid close contact with persons with symptoms consistent with MPox; observe hand and respiratory hygiene and safer-sex practices; and
As there is no non-essential overseas travel at this time this article will simply remain as an information resource for COVID-19. See our main COVID-19 page for more detailed information. We hope to be able to inform our travelers once again after this crisis passes. The links below remain trustworthy
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