Risk / Health Info for Myanmar

What shots do I need for a trip to Myanmar?

Before you go to Myanmar, Canadian Travel Clinics can help you make sure your shots are up to date, including polio. You should also take care to get vaccinated against hepatitis A, cholera and typhoid, spread by contaminated water or food.

It is also wise to protect yourself against hepatitis B, especially if you plan to visit Myanmar often or stay for a long time. Children are also at risk of hep B, as are people who work in healthcare or dentistry. It is contracted by contact with blood or body fluid, including via unprotected sex or dirty needles.

Before you go to Myanmar, get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis, which is present in mosquitoes in rice paddies. Protect yourself from other mosquito-borne illnesses including malaria, dengue fever, Zika and lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) by using a reliable insect repellent and wearing clothing that covers as much skin as possible. At least six weeks before you leave for Myanmar, speak to your health adviser about anti-malaria pills.

There have been cases of avian influenza in Myanmar, which usually affects birds. Occasionally it can infect people, and the risk of human-to-human transmission is very low. Health Canada recommends reducing your risk by avoiding exposure to dead or live poultry and markets where poultry is sold, and taking the same steps you use to avoid regular influenza: wash your hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available, and always practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette.

Rabies is present in Myanmar, so make sure you are vaccinated especially if you might be around animals. Children are at particular risk of getting bitten. Always get immediate medical attention for any bite or scratch, even if you have had your shot.

Stick to commercially bottled water for drinking and ice cubes in Myanmar, and stick to food you can peel yourself or has been cooked or boiled so you can avoid water- and food-borne illnesses.

Although Yangon (Rangoon) has medical services, they are limited in other parts of Myanmar. Prescription drugs might be counterfeit and are unsafe. Make sure you have travel insurance and sufficient funds to cover emergency care and evacuation if needed, because your Canadian health plan will not cover you. Your provincial or territorial health authority has more information.

Altitude in Myanmar

Parts of Myanmar are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Dengue fever in Myanmar

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Myanmar. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Malaria in Myanmar

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Myanmar at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Schistosomiasis in Myanmar

The schistosomiasis parasite enters humans through the skin during contact with fresh water. To prevent infection, avoid swimming or paddling in lakes and streams in Myanmar. This condition is also known as bilharzia.

polio in Myanmar

Zika in Myanmar

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Myanmar. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to Myanmar. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.