Certificate Required ?
Typhoid and Polio
A yellow fever vaccination certificate
is required of travellers coming from infected areas.
2: Following WHO
guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a
condition of entry to Nepal. However, cholera is a serious risk in
this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should
be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include
vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. For
more information, see the Health appendix.
3: Typhoid is
4: Malaria risk,
mainly in the benign vivax form, exists throughout the year in rural
areas of the Terai districts of Bara, Dhanukha, Kapilvastu, Mahotari,
Parsa, Rautahat, Rupendehi, Sarlahi and especially along the Indian
border. The malignant falciparum form resistant to chloroquine has
Food & drink :
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water
used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been
boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be
boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make
sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products
which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat
well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and
mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and
Other risks :
High altitude sickness is a hazard for trekkers, so it is important to
be in good health before travelling. Advice can be obtained from the
Himalayan Rescue Association near the Kathmandu Guest House, Thamel.
It is advisable, particularly when in rural areas, to carry a medical
kit containing items such as rehydration mixture for the treatment of
severe diarrhoea and ‘dry spray’ for cuts and bruises. Contact the
Nepal Tourism Board for advice (see Contact Addresses section).
Giardiasis, dysenteries and diarrhoeas are all common. Japanese
encephalitis occurs in southern lowland, rural areas. Hepatitis A, B
and E occur. Meningitis has been reported in some areas. There has
been a sharp rise in visceral leishmaniasis, and trachoma is fairly
common. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before
arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice
without delay. For more information, see the Health appendix.
Health care : The
most convenient hospital for visitor care is Patan Hospital in
Lagankhel. Other hospitals include the Western Regional Hospital and
the Manipal Hospital in Pokhara and the Mission Hospital in Tansen.
Most hospitals have English-speaking staff and big hotels have
doctors. Pharmacies in Kathmandu, mainly along New Road, offer a wide
range of Western drugs at low prices. In Kathmandu, you can get
certain vaccinations free of charge at the Infectious Diseases Clinic.
Full medical insurance is essential.