Myanmar, or Burma as it used to be called, is probably best known recently for Aung Sun Suu Kyi, winner of the Nobel prize.
This South East Asian country is heavily influenced by Indian and Chinese traditions, which can be seen in both their culture and their food. To see something spectacular visit Bagan, an archaeological site that is very vold or why not stop over at lake Ingle.
There are also a few beaches and beach resorts to visit and of course golden rock at Kyaiktiyo.
The table below provides a general guide as to the Travel Vaccinations that may be advised to you for travel to Burma.
| Vaccination | All Travellers | Most Travellers | Some Travellers | Major Risk Factors | Course | Price Per Dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMR | Yes | Person-to-Person | Measles, mumps, rubella, Course of Two | £56 | ||
| DTaP | Yes | Person-to-Person | Tetanus, Diptheria, polio, Single Dose | £41 | ||
| Typhoid | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Typhoid, single dose | £51 | ||
| Hepatitis A | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Hepatitis A, Single Dose | £86 | ||
| Cholera | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Cholera, for course of 2 | £37.50 | ||
| Hepatitis B | Yes | Body Fluids, Medical Intervention | Hepatitis B, Course of Three | £61 | ||
| Japanese Encephalitis | Yes | Mosquitoes | Japanese encephalitis, Course of Two | £96 | ||
| Rabies | Yes | Infected Animals | Rabies, Course of Three | £66 |
The Vaccinations and Medications that are needed for travel vary from person-to-person. Everyone should have a personal risk assessment with a travel health professional to take into account a range of factors such as itinerary, medical condition, occupational and lifestyle risk factors and previous vaccination history.
All Travellers should ensure that they are up-to-date with Routine Vaccinations including Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
Most travellers will also need to consider a course or booster of Hepatitis A and Typhoid as there is a risk of these diseases across most parts of the world.
Some Travellers may also be advised additional vaccinations such as Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis and Hepatitis B based on their individual risk assessment.
Malaria is a viral illness spread by Mosquitoes that bite from dusk to dawn throughout the tropical world. It causes high fever and severe joint and muscle pains. In serious cases, malaria can be fatal.
There is a High Risk of Malaria across Burma except in the major cities of Yangon and Mandalay.
Travellers to areas where there is a Risk of Malaria should get advice regarding Malaria Medication which can be taken to help stop the illness from developing. The type of medication required depends on your destination, itinerary, length of stay and current medical condition.
Further reduce the risk of by practicing mosquito Bite Avoidance by using Insect Repellant such as DEET 50% and covering exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers.
Yellow Fever is not present in Burma. There is therefore No Risk of Yellow Fever transmission in Burma.
There is however a Yellow Fever Certification Requirement for some travellers to Burma. For further information, please see Yellow Fever Certification Requirements.
Under International Health Regulations (2005), travellers who have been to an Area affected by Yellow Fever, or who have travelled via an airport of a country affected, are required to present an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP) before they are allowed to enter Burma.
Malaria
Malaria precautions are advisable in Burma as it is a high-risk malarial country. Please discuss your itinerary with your travel nurse who will be able to advise you. For any traveller, taking steps to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes is always advisable, to give yourself the greatest protection against infection.
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever precautions should be taken for travel to and around Myanmar / Burma. Dengue fever is caused by mosquito bites from specific mosquitos most active during daylight. There is no medical protection against dengue fever. What you can do however is avoid mosquito bites and use mosquito repellent if travelling to affected areas. Your travel nurse should be able to advise you.
Altitude Sickness
Some parts of Myanmar /Burma are situated higher than 2500m, so altitude sickness could be a problem. You can obtain altitude sickness medication and practice appropriate acclimatisation and gradual ascents to counter altitude sickness. Don’t forget, it’s not just your climbing altitude but your sleeping altitude as well that must be considered. Our travel nurse will be able to discuss these with you and offer you the relevant advice.
Heat and Humidity
Myanmar / Burma is generally thought to have 3 seasons, namely hot season, cool season and rainy season. Please make sure to check the weather for the period you are travelling, as you will need to pack adequately and take reasonable precautions for the climate here.
Water Safe
Tap water in Myanmar / Burma is not considered safe to drink. Stick to bottled water and always check the water that food has been washed in. As an extra precaution, take some water purifying tablets with you or some kind of water purification system and remember to not have ice made from tap water either.
Food and Drink
Rice is a staple here and the influences on the food here re a mixture of Chinese and Indian with a bit of Mon thrown in for god measure. Due to some parts being coastal, you will find some reasonable seafood dishes to try. Also worth trying is the Chinese tea.
Animals and Insects
Lots of different infections can be spread through insect bites and animal bites such as Malaria and Dengue. Please take reasonable precautions when travelling here.
Health Insurance
Make sure you have health insurance in place that will cover the full range of activities you plan to undertake while in Myanmar / Burma
Personal Safety
Myanmar / Burma is a relatively safe country but please be advised that you would still need to take reasonable safety precautions, as with any other travel elsewhere. Driving here is not for the fainthearted so be warned. There are also some regions in Myanmar / Burma that require a permit to visit due to internal conflicts. Please check with your foreign office before travelling.
