Asia and Oceania

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 6. The WHO website has further details and local information is available on the Brunei Ministry of Health's website.

Brunei is now in a 'protect and treat' phase and has stopped reporting H1N1 cases to WHO daily. The Ministry of Health report that Brunei's efficient screening procedures and small population allow sufficient resources to be applied in detecting cases.

There is currently no thermal screening in place at the airport for transit passengers but arrivals are still being screened. Those with elevated temperatures are being swabbed and advised to self-quarantine at home if H1N1 is confirmed.

Due to a decline in Tamiflu stocks treatment is now only being given to severe cases and those in high risk categories such as the young, the old and pregnant women. Other cases will be left to recover naturally and build immunity to the virus.

You should monitor media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated swine flu page on the FCO Website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.

The standards of healthcare in Brunei are generally better than in many countries in the region, though basic hospital supplies can run low from time to time.  There are two significant  medical facilities, the Government General Hospital (RIPAS) in Bandar Seri Begawan and the private Jerudong Park Medical Centre.  Should complications arise, medical evacuation to Singapore is necessary so you should ensure that your insurance covers this. 

Good dental care can be found either at Jerudong Park Medical Centre or from local private dentists.  Most branded pharmaceuticals are also readily available, including condoms. 
 

Dengue occurs in Brunei. The risk of malaria is very low. These diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes. There are no vaccinations against these diseases, but there are preventative measures that you cam take, as advised on the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC website.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Brunei and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see travel health and for food/drink hygiene see eat and drink safely.

Avian Influenza

There have been no reported cases of avian influenza (Bird Flu) in Brunei.  But the World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed cases elsewhere in the region.

 

You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.