Thai Burma border

I am going to be living for a year on the Thai-Burma border. I am wanting to know what vaccinations I will need and what I should take for malaria as it is an extended period of time

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Dear Namoomoo:

You should strongly consider seeing a travel medicine specialist before your trip.
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentTravelClinics.aspx

Recommended vaccinations for travel to the Thai-Burma (Myanmar) Border:

Hepatitis A & B
Meningococcus
Typhoid
Polio
Japanese Encephalitis
Rabies (if you plan to spend the majority of your time in rural environments, you should strongly consider getting the rabies vaccination)

Malaria Prophylaxis:
* the area where you are planning to travel harbors malaria that is mefloquine (Larium) and chloroquine resistant.

You will need to take either atovaquone/proguanil or doxycycline.

Links:
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationBurma.aspx
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh4-YellowFever.aspx#667
*You will need proof of having received the yellow fever vaccination if you arrive from one of the countries listed on the link above.

I hope that this answer was helpful. Safe travels to you.

~Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

[caregiver222]

I lived in that area in the distant past for an extended period of time. I would recommend that you always wear long-sleeved shirts, and keep them buttoned at night. Mosquito netting is a necessity and bring an extra set or patch kit because they tear. A lot depends upon whether you are going to leave a city. In outlying areas "in the bush" you will be unable to wear underwear because it will rot quickly. Thus you need cotton clothing that can be washed easily.  You will need a "bush hat" and these come with mosquito netting accessories. If you go camping bring a light pair of sneakers to wear at night so if you have to get up you will not step on anything that will cut your feet. I took an anti-malarial pill for a year that made be exceedingly sick and allegedly caused some liver damage. There are "malaria belts" known to the locals. Avoid them. Boiling water is fine, but you also need a particulate filter unit, available at quality camping stores. Small cuts will rapidly become infected. Bring an anti-bacterial soap, such as Phisohex, and attend to scratches and cuts promptly. A bactricidal ointment is also desireable. Bring a large quantity of DEAT mosquito repellant. This is effective and not available at the time I was there. There are many biting insects that crawl into your shoes. Before putting on your shoes bang them. If you are right handed bring a rubber or latex glove and a cotton glove to put over that. Use your LEFT HAND, sweep out your shoe before putting it on and examine your socks. There are scorpians in the area and they ocasionally enter the shoes.