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Japanese Encephalitis : This virus is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes . It occurs throughout Southeast Asia , the Far East , and the Western Pacific including the northern tip of Australia . Vaccination is available for children above two years old . There are different vaccination choices and series for different ages . Some versions require two doses one month apart , the last being one week before departure to achieve effect .
Yellow Fever : This is also a virus transmitted via mosquitoes . Recent endemic includes tropical areas of Africa and South America . Vaccination is recommended for all travellers aged nine months and above travelling to atrisk areas , unless they are contraindicated for vaccination . Yellow Fever is the only disease specified in the International Health Regulations for which countries may require proof of vaccination from travellers as a condition of entry . A list can be found on the WHO website www . who . int / ith / 2017-ithannex1 . pdf ? ua = 1
The vaccine is only available in two locations in Hong Kong run by the department of health . You should make your appointment six weeks prior to travelling .
Travel health centres contact numbers : Hong Kong Tel : 2961 8840 and Kowloon Tel : 2150 7235 .
Malaria : A mosquito transmitted disease which can be life threatening . Large areas of Africa , South Asia and parts of Central and South America are considered areas of Malaria transmission . Anti-malaria tablets are available for children over 5kg in weight .
Measles : The Measles virus is highly contagious causing high fever and other respiratory symptoms such as cough , runny nose , red and watery eyes . Three to five days after symptoms begin , a rash breaks out . Ninety percent of the Hong Kong population has protection from the vaccines , however , recent outbreaks of Measles in Taiwan and Japan have raised concerns for Hong Kongers . The MMR vaccine is given after age one and a booster dose is given in Primary One . Unvaccinated babies or pregnant women should avoid travelling to infected areas . If you ’ re unsure about immunity , you can go to your doctor to check your levels of antibodies .
Be prepared ! Some diseases such as Dengue , Malaria and Zika are transmitted by mosquitoes . You can bring along insect repellent , mosquito bed nets , and mosquito repellent clothing for your trip . Travelling with a baby ? Look for mosquito nets for cots .
Post Travel Illness . Fever after travel is considered a medical emergency and requires rapid medical evaluation . If you experience rash , diarrhoea , respiratory symptoms , or stomach ailments , visit a doctor as soon as possible to receive prompt treatment .
Travel First Aid Kit Save some space in your suitcase for these medical essentials :
• Electronic ear thermometer
• Paracetamol
• Probiotics
• Antihistamine
• Gravol
• Plasters
• Topical antibiotic cream
• Bug repellent
Sunscreen The Environmental Working Group ( EWG ), a nonprofit organisation in the US , has just released its 12th guide to sunscreen . The guide rates the hazards and effectiveness of roughly 1000 products , including sunscreens and moisturiser and lip products with SPF ratings . Scores range from 1 to 10 , with 1 being the best . Ratings reflect the hazardous ingredients listed on the label and the degree of UVA / UVB protection the product offers . EWG recommends products that provide long lasting protection from the sun , with ingredients that pose fewer health concerns .
EWG Recommendations Ingredients to AVOID : Oxybenzone , which has been shown to cause damage to coral ; Vitamin A ( retinyl palmitate ), which EWG believes can cause skin damage ; Added insect repellent .
Ingredients to LOOK FOR : Zinc oxide ; Avobenzome ; Mexoryl SX
Products to AVOID : Sprays ,“ EWG is concerned that these products pose an inhalation risk and may not provide a thick and even coating on skin .” Products that offer SPF above 50 , “ Higher SPF ratings don ’ t necessarily offer greater protection from UV-related skin damage , especially UVA damage , and may lead users to spend too much time in the sun .”
Products to LOOK FOR : Cream ; Broad-spectrum protection ; Water-resistant ; SPF 15-50 Some of EWG ’ s top rated sunscreens
• Badger Company , Sport Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 , available from iHerb $ 108
• Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen , Baby SPF 30 + available from iHerb $ 153
• Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen , SPF 50
• Clinique Mineral Sunscreen Lotion For Face , SPF 50
• Banana Boat Kids Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 Want to know more ? Visit www . ewg . org / sunscreen
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