Traveling to Cambodia can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it’s essential to prioritize your health and safety during your trip. Vaccinations play a crucial role in protecting yourself against infectious diseases and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. In this article, we will explore the necessary vaccinations and precautions you should take before embarking on your Cambodian adventure.
Infectious Disease Risks
When traveling to Cambodia, it is essential to ensure that you are up to date with your routine immunizations. These include seasonal influenza, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid fever. The government of Cambodia also requires travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination, although yellow fever itself is not a disease risk in Cambodia.
Enteric Infections & Diseases
Travelers’ diarrhea and foodborne infections are relatively common in Cambodia. To minimize the risk, it is advisable to avoid consuming water that is not bottled, ice, and food from street vendors. Safe, bottled water is readily available throughout the country. Additionally, practicing safe food and water precautions and carrying antibiotics and antidiarrheal medication for self-treatment is highly recommended. Azithromycin is the preferred antibiotic due to fluoroquinolone resistance being widespread in Cambodia and neighboring regions.
Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are endemic to Cambodia, making vaccination against these diseases crucial, especially if you plan to stay for an extended period or visit remote regions.
Respiratory Infections & Diseases
With the ongoing pandemic, it is crucial to stay up to date with the latest information on COVID-19. The US Embassy in Cambodia’s website and the CDC’s international travel requirements and recommendations provide valuable resources. Ensure that you have received the necessary COVID-19 vaccinations before your trip.
Cambodia also has a high rate of active tuberculosis (TB), particularly in crowded institutions and high-risk settings. Travelers planning to work in these environments are at risk and should consider getting tested for tuberculosis before and after their trip.
Sexually Transmitted Infections & HIV
Cambodia has made significant progress in reducing the number of newly diagnosed HIV infections, thanks to expanded testing and treatment programs. However, it remains prevalent in certain key populations. Travelers should be aware of the risks involved, practice safe sex by using condoms, and avoid injecting drugs or sharing needles. If you engage in activities that put you at high risk for HIV infection, discuss preexposure prophylaxis with your healthcare provider or travel medicine specialist.
Soil- & Waterborne Infections
Leptospirosis and melioidosis are endemic in Cambodia, with most cases occurring during the rainy season. Adventure travelers, in particular, are at increased risk due to exposure to soil and surface water. Taking preventive measures such as avoiding swimming or wading in potentially contaminated water, eliminating contact with infected animals, and immediate cleaning of any wounds or abrasions contaminated with soil or surface water is crucial.
Schistosomiasis, caused by liver flukes, is found in the Mekong River basin in Cambodia. Avoid swimming in natural freshwater settings and seek medical evaluation if you develop a rash after freshwater exposure.
Vectorborne Diseases
Chikungunya and dengue are endemic in Cambodia, with large outbreaks occurring regularly. The risk of transmission is highest during the rainy season, although cases can occur throughout the year. Protecting yourself from mosquito bites is crucial to prevent these diseases. Zika virus is also present in Cambodia, and pregnant women or those planning pregnancy should discuss the risks with their healthcare provider before traveling.
Japanese encephalitis is considered endemic throughout Cambodia, with transmission occurring year-round but peaking during the rainy season. Vaccination is recommended for those planning to live in high-risk areas or spending an extended period there. Short-term travelers at increased risk should also consider vaccination.
Malaria is present in forested areas of Cambodia, but the risk is minimal in popular tourist destinations like the Angkor temple complex, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap city, and Tonle Sap Lake. Proper mosquito prevention measures should be followed, and malaria chemoprophylaxis is recommended for eco-travelers visiting deeply forested areas.
Environmental Hazards & Risks
Cambodia faces certain environmental hazards and risks that travelers should be aware of. Air quality can be a concern, with fine particulate matter levels often exceeding international standards. It is advisable to monitor air quality and take necessary precautions, especially for individuals with heart or lung disease.
Animal bites, particularly dog bites, pose a risk of rabies transmission in Cambodia. Travelers should exercise caution, especially in rural areas, and consider rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis if necessary. Snakebites are also a concern, and immediate medical attention should be sought if bitten. Snakebite treatment is available in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
Cambodia has a tropical climate, with high humidity throughout the year. Stay hydrated, especially during the hottest months, and be mindful of vectorborne diseases during the rainy season.
Landmines and unexploded ordnance from past conflicts are still found in rural areas of Cambodia. If you plan to visit remote temples and forests, exercise caution, stay on designated paths, and avoid touching any suspicious objects. Report any findings to the Cambodia Mine Action Centre.
Safety & Security
While Cambodia is generally a safe destination, it is essential to take common-sense measures to ensure your personal safety. Avoid walking or traveling alone at night and keep your belongings out of sight, particularly when using tuk-tuks. Traffic-related injuries are a significant concern, with road traffic accidents being a leading cause of death in Cambodia. Always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike and exercise caution when crossing roads.
Availability & Quality of Medical Care
Medical facilities in Cambodia may not meet international standards, so it is prudent to be adequately prepared. Bring an ample supply of your regular medications, as counterfeit drugs are prevalent in some pharmacies. For basic medical care and stabilization, internationally run clinics and hospitals in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are available. However, for more complex medical needs, it is advisable to seek care in Bangkok or Singapore. Travel health insurance that includes medical evacuation is highly recommended.
As you prepare for your journey to Cambodia, prioritize your health and safety by taking the necessary vaccinations, following preventive measures, and being aware of potential risks. By doing so, you can truly enjoy the wonders this beautiful country has to offer.
