Philippines

Take preventative measures to avoid getting bitten by mosquitos. We also advise you to bring along an emergency treatment in case you get malaria. The type of prophylaxis recommended depends on your personal situation; contact the Travel Clinic at the Havenziekenhuis to make an appointment. Call: 0900 503 40 90 (local costs).

Mumps, Measles and Rubella are rarely seen in the Netherlands any more. Elsewhere in the world these diseases are still common.

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites. There are four types of Malaria, of which only tropical malaria is potentially fatal. To prevent contracting the disease you should protect yourself against mosquito bites and in certain areas anit-malaria drugs are recommended.

Yellow Fever is a serious but relatively rare tropical disease caused by infection with the yellow fever virus. The virus enters the bloodstream through mosquito bites and can then spread throughout the body. Vaccination is the only effective protection against Yellow Fever. It is given in the form of an injection which gives protection for at least 10 years. The vaccination is effective 10 days after the injection is given.

Information about DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio). Persons born after 1950 have almost all received vaccinations as a child. In general a booster-injection is sufficient. Older persons who have not been vaccinated, or where this is not known, should have the full series of three injections.

Typhoid is a serious infectious disease that is transmitted through food. It is accompanied by high fever and without treatment the disease can be fatal. Although the vaccination does not offer 100% protection the disease is generally less severe after vaccination.

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious disease which occurs as a childhood disease in tropical countries. Dutch nationals who were born after the war will probably not have experienced the disease. The Hepatitis A virus is transferred through food and is often found in seafood and raw vegetables. Adults can become very ill and take a long time to recover. Vaccination offers very good protection.

Hepatitis B is one of the most serious infectious diseases in the world. It is caused by the Hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood and sexual relations. Hepatitis B is very contagious. A vaccine can be given in a series of three injections. The blood can then be tested to show the level of anitbodies. If this is sufficient then protection is lifelong.

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium. Infection is spread by coughing. Prevention is better than cure: If you are planning to spend 6 months or longer in a country where tuberculosis is common then the BCG vaccine is recommended, provided you have not previously had the disease or the vaccination. Vaccination does not reduce the chance of contracting TB but if does offer protection against the more serious symptoms of the disease and improves the chances of recovery.

Rabies is a viral infection which is always fatal if symptoms are present. The virus is transmitted through infected mammals' salvia (a dog, cat, monkey or other small mammal; bats can also transmit the disease). Humans can be infected if bitten, scratched or licked by an infected animal. The virus penetrates the body through small wounds in the skin or through mucous membranes in the eyes or mouth. The first visible symptoms can appear a few weeks or even several months after infection. If bitten by an animal suspected of having Rabies, you should immediately (and in any case within 1 week) receive treatment with an immunoglobulin. In addition you should be vaccinated. If you are taking a trip where the risk of being bitten is relatively high, for example if you are going trekking or on a cycling-trip, vaccination against rabies is recommended. If you are then bitten you will not need immunoglobulin, which may in any case be difficult to get hold of in developing countries and treatment with additional vaccinations will be sufficient. Discuss with the vaccination clinic whether a vaccination against Rabies is advisable in your individual case.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes. In most cases the patient will have no symptoms or they may appear to have a kind of flu with fever, muscle aches and a headache. In severe cases an inflammation of the membranes of the brain can occur. Those at greatest risk are persons staying in the countryside for a period of time during the peak season for the disease. Discuss with the vaccination clinic whether or not a vaccination is advisable in your individual case.

Bilharzia (or schistosomiasis) is a worm-disease which can be contracted by wading or swimming in lakes or rivers where the disease is endemic. The symptoms of the disease are often only seen a month after returning from abroad. The initial symptoms are fever and diarrhoea. The disease can develop into a chronic illness causing long-term health problems. Only swim in chlorinated swimming pools or in the sea. If there is a possibility that you may have contracted the disease you should visit your doctor.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease accompanied by high fever, headache and muscle aches. A rash also often occurs. There is no treatment for Dengue and in general patients recover well with time. The mosquito that transmits dengue is active during the day. Taking appropriate measures to prevent mosquito bites is an effective way to protect against the disease.