Risk / Health Info for Indonesia

Do I need vaccinations for Bali or Indonesia?

Global Travel Clinics can help you to organise all the vaccinations you need for travel in south-east Asia. These include immunisations for food- and water-borne diseases such as hepatitis A and typhoid. Japanese encephalitis is another shot to consider if you are going Java, Bali or Indonesia. This, like malaria and dengue fever, is caught from the bite of an infected mosquito. You can reduce your risk by taking measures to avoid mosquito bites during your stay in Indonesia, for example by using insect repellents and wearing clothing with good coverage. Vaccination against rabies is recommended for people who will be going to remote areas or working with animals in Indonesia and for children. There is rabies among domestic and wild animals in Indonesia. Avoid contact with wild or street dogs, and with pets. Monkeys may also carry it. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal get medical help immediately, even if you are vaccinated.

What hospital facilities are there in Indonesia?

Good medical care is expensive in Indonesia. Healthcare will be basic in remote areas of Indonesia. Ensure you have travel insurance if you are going to Bali, Java or other parts of Indonesia as you will have to be evacuated to receive treatment for a serious illness or injury.

Air quality in Indonesia

If you suffer from asthma or another respiratory condition you may find air pollution a problem in Indonesia. Forest fires during the dry season result in smoky haze. It also disrupts air travel. Singapore Meteorological Service maintains a haze map which may be of use in making your travel plans.

Recent disease outbreaks in Indonesia

Cases of bird flu have been reported in Indonesia, some fatal. The disease appears to be declining now and all cases have been linked to contact with poultry. Avoid visiting live animal markets and poultry farms.

Dengue fever in Indonesia

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Indonesia. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Malaria in Indonesia

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Indonesia at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Schistosomiasis in Indonesia

The schistosomiasis parasite enters humans through the skin during contact with fresh water. To prevent infection, avoid swimming or paddling in lakes and streams in Indonesia. This condition is also known as bilharzia.

Zika in Indonesia

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Indonesia. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to Indonesia. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.