Asia and Oceania

The extent of medical care varies across the Philippines, and may not meet the standards of care in the UK.  Although sufficient in major cities, medical care is limited in more remote areas.  You should be aware that medical treatment can be very expensive.

Dengue and malaria occur in the Philippines; these diseases are transmitted by mosquitoes.  An increase in the number of dengue cases has been reported in 2008, including in Metro Manila.  There are no vaccinations against these diseases but there are preventative measures that you can take, as advised on the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website.  You should visit your GP to discuss malaria prevention tablets.

In 2008 water-borne diseases, including typhoid and cholera, were reported throughout the Philippines. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.  If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to the Philippines you should seek immediate medical attention.

Travellers should be aware that Leptospirosis occurs in the Philippines.  This is caused by exposure to several types of the Leptospira bacteria, which can be found in fresh water contaminated by animal urine. There have been several recent cases in areas affected by flooding following Typhoon Onday. Local health authorities have advised the public not to wade in flood waters and to use protective boots in order to prevent leptospirosis, and other diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera and hepatitis.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 8,200 adults aged 15 or over in the Philippines were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at less than 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see the HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Philippines 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 the Travel Health and for food/drink hygiene see Eat and Drink Safely.

 

Swine Flu

 

There is sustained community transmission of the A (H1N1) virus (Swine Flu) in the Philippines. The Philippine Department of Health has a swine flu website at www.doh.gov.ph/h1n1 which contains information about the latest situation and government response. If you are suspected or confirmed with Swine Flu you may experience difficulties travelling until you are given medical clearance.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on this website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
 
There have been no reported cases of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the Philippines during the current series of outbreaks.  But the World Health Organisation has confirmed cases elsewhere in the region.

You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian & Pandemic Influenza.