Risk / Health Info for Timor Leste

What immunisations do I need for East Timor?

There are some injections to get before going to East Timor and your healthcare advisor can guide you. Hepatitis A jabs are recommended for travel in East Timor and also a shot for typhoid as these can both be contracted where sanitation is poor.

You should consider getting vaccinated against rabies if you will be going to remote parts of Timor Leste or if you will be in contact with dogs, cats, monkeys or bats.

Some travellers to East Timor should consider hepatitis B vaccination. This group includes children, frequent and long-stay travellers as well as those who will be working in a healthcare setting, including dentistry or in a lab that handles body fluids. You can also contract hep B through recreational intravenous drug use and unprotected sex.

What are the healthcare facilities like in East Timor?

Medical services in Timor-Leste are few and far between and you should expect to be evacuated to Australia or Singapore for anything other than basic treatment. It is important to have good travel insurance for travel in East Timor.The emergency number in Timor Leste is 110.

Mosquito-borne illnesses in East Timor

Mosquito-borne diseases such are malaria and dengue fever are a particular problem during the rainy season in East Timor so take precautions against bites, such as using mosquito repellents and wearing neutral or light-coloured clothing that provides good coverage.

Altitude in Timor Leste

Parts of Timor Leste 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 Timor Leste

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Timor Leste. 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 Timor Leste

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Timor Leste 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.