When visiting the Philippines, travelers should be aware of the risks to their health and take precautions accordingly. Although rates of some infectious diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever, have declined in recent years, there are still a number of illnesses that can affect tourists to the country. Here is an overview of the 10 most common illnesses for tourists in the Philippines.

The most prominent dangers faced by travelers include gastrointestinal illnesses caused by contaminated food or water; insect-borne infectious diseases such as dengue fever and Chikungunya virus; skin infections such as fungal infections; respiratory infections like influenza; tuberculosis (TB); hepatitis A and B; typhoid fever; and HIV/AIDS.

In addition to these related illnesses, travelers should also watch out for other medical emergencies such as accidents or heat stroke in tropical climates. Vaccinations against major infectious diseases are generally recommended prior to departure and special attention should be paid to avoiding bites from mosquitoes, ticks or sandflies since they could potentially transmit serious illness.

Common Illnesses

Philippines is a paradise for tourists, boasting of white sand beaches, exotic cuisine, and vibey cities. But, as with any holiday destination, there are certain illnesses and infections which may occur during your visit. Below, we’ll discuss the 10 most common illnesses that tourists may contract while traveling in the Philippines. From mosquito-borne illnesses to bacterial infections, this article will help you stay aware and protected while enjoying your time in the Philippines.

Dengue Fever


Dengue fever is one of the most common illnesses among tourists traveling to the Philippines. It is a mosquito-borne disease caused by the Dengue virus, and is spread via the Aedes mosquito. Symptoms of dengue fever can include high fever, headaches, joint pain, rashes and nausea. In severe cases it can lead to hemorrhage or shock.

In order to protect yourself against Dengue fever, you should take special precautions when visiting areas with a higher risk of mosquito-bourne diseases such as wearing long pants and long sleeves and using insect repellant containing DEET. You should also take measures to reduce mosquitoes near your home or lodging such as using screens on windows and plugging different sources of stagnant water (like flower pot plates).

Malaria


Malaria is a serious tropical disease spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes and is a very common illness amongst travelers in Philippines. Malaria symptoms usually start with a fever, but can also include chills and sweating, headache, body aches, nausea and vomiting, as well as other flu-like symptoms. If not treated quickly, malaria can become life-threatening as it targets major organs like the liver, kidneys and brain. The best way to prevent this disease is to take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and having antimalarial medication before entering a malaria endemic area.

Typhoid Fever


Typhoid fever is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria. Humans are the only known hosts for this bacteria, and it is usually spread by contact with someone that has the illness or by eating contaminated food or water. It affects around 27 million people worldwide every year, and can be particularly dangerous for travelers in developing countries like the Philippines.

The most common symptom of typhoid fever is prolonged high fevers up to 104°F (40°C). Other usually accompanying symptoms include headaches, muscle aches and pains, dizziness, abdominal pain and excessive sweating. People with typhoid fever may also experience rash or show symptoms of diarrhea, constipation or even both.

If left untreated, typhoid fever can develop into serious complications such as perforation of the intestines and cause death in some cases – it is important to gather medical help as soon as you notice any signs of illness while traveling. The recommended treatment for travelers with suspected typhoid includes antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Vaccination before travelling is highly recommended as well to safeguard against infection by Salmonella Typhi bacteria.

Leptospirosis


Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can affect humans and animals, particularly rodents in tropical countries. It is transmitted from contact with the urine of an infected animal. People can contract leptospirosis directly or indirectly, such as through contaminated food or water sources.

Common symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, chills, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and red eyes. In severe cases, the infection can involve the liver and kidneys as well as cause jaundice and meningitis. Treatment includes antibiotics to be taken for up to a week in order to cure the infection.

It is important to take extra precautions while in high-risk areas of transmission by avoiding contact with animal urine and ensuring that food and drink are prepared responsibly. It is also important to seek medical advice if you experience any of the above symptoms after travelling abroad.

Chikungunya


Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne infection that is transmitted by Aedes species mosquitoes, which bite during the day and at night. It is a viral illness that causes fever, joint pain and fatigue and can be serious in some cases. Symptoms usually start three or four days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, although this time period can range from two to twelve days.

The majority of people with chikungunya will experience symptoms such as fever and severe joint pain that can last for weeks or even months. Some other possible symptoms include headache, muscle pain, fatigue and rash. If a person becomes infected with chikungunya, there is no specific treatment except to take medications to reduce fever and alleviate discomfort from symptoms such as joint pain or rash.

It is important for travelers to be aware of the risk associated with this infection and take steps to prevent it through the use of protective clothing such as long-sleeved tops and pants; using insect repellents; staying in screened environments; eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites by removing standing water from containers around the home; seeking medical advice if feeling unwell during travels; and getting vaccinated before travel when available in certain countries.

Zika Virus


Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus commonly found in tropical regions, including the Philippines. It is rarely fatal, but it can have serious long-term consequences in both adults and children. Symptoms of Zika are similar to those of many other common illnesses, including fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes (conjunctivitis). In some cases, infection with Zika virus can lead to a rare condition known as Guillain-Barré Syndrome which causes muscle weakness and paralysis.

Mosquitoes are the primary vector which transmits Zika virus from person to person or animal to person. Reducing contact or exposure to mosquito bites is the best way to avoid becoming infected with Zika virus in the Philippines. Common preventive measures include wearing long-sleeved clothing when outdoors during peak mosquito hours, using approved insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin, sleeping under an insecticide treated bed net, keeping windows closed during peak hours and applying approved insecticide sprays around your room. Tourists should receive detailed advice from their health care provider upon arrival in the Philippines regarding what steps they need take to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes that carry Zika Virus.

Japanese Encephalitis


Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is a serious, mosquito-borne disease caused by a specific type of virus. It is most commonly found in the western parts of the Philippines and some parts of the country’s south, although it can be present anywhere mosquitoes are plentiful. Symptoms of JE can include fever, headache, disorientation, memory loss, tremors and confusion. In severe cases it can cause coma or death.

JE is preventable through vaccination which should be considered for travellers planning to spend extended time in any region where JE may be present – especially those planning to stay in rural areas where mosquitoes are more prevalent or who will be travelling through marshland or flooded rice paddies. People who are travelling with young children are also advised to get vaccinated before they go as they are particularly susceptible to this illness and its complications. Mosquito protection measures such as using insect repellents, covering up with clothing and sleeping under mosquito nets should also be observed when travelling through or living in any area where Japanese encephalitis may be present.

Hepatitis A


Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that results from infection with the hepatitis A virus. This highly contagious virus is one of the most common illnesses to affect travelers visiting the Philippines and can be spread through contaminated food and water, or through close contact with an infected person. Symptoms of hepatitis A include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may begin 15–50 days after exposure to the virus and generally last 1–2 weeks. Vaccination before travel is the best way to protect oneself against hepatitis A; this vaccine is available at most pharmacies in eastern countries such as Indonesia or Malaysia.

Hepatitis B


Hepatitis B is an infectious, inflammatory liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Most people with hepatitis B will be infected for life. Symptoms of acute infection include jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea and a fever. Vaccination is the best way to prevent HBV infection for travelers heading to the Philippines or anywhere else in the world where there is a risk of becoming infected with the virus.

Hepatitis B is spread through contact with blood or body fluids from an infected person — unsafe injections, unprotected sex and drug use can all contribute to transmission. It can also be passed from mother to baby during childbirth. The risk of contracting a long-term chronic illness from hepatitis B can range from 0-25%. Vaccine protection lasts up to life but booster shots may be needed for those at increased risk of infection such as healthcare workers or those who work in laboratories handling body fluids or tissues.

Severe acute infections can cause liver failure and death but this is very rare. Treatment includes antiviral drugs and supportive care including rest, adequate nutrition and hydration. Lifelong immune booster shots are recommended if severe symptoms don’t resolve within 4-6 weeks after treatment has been completed.

Influenza


Influenza (often referred to as the flu) is a common viral illness that can affect anyone, but it is most serious for the elderly, young children and those with weakened immune systems. It is often spread through contact with the saliva of an infected person when they cough or sneeze. Symptoms of influenza include fever, headaches, muscle aches and pains, loss of appetite, tiredness and sore throat. Influenza can take from a few days to a few weeks to fully recover from, so it’s important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms. Prevention measures include regular hand-washing, covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and avoiding close contact with sick people. Vaccination against influenza is also available and recommended for travelers visiting high-risk areas during seasonal outbreaks.

Prevention

When travelling to the Philippines, prevention of illnesses is key. There are a number of common illnesses that can occur while travelling, such as diarrheal diseases, infections, and mosquito-borne diseases. Taking the necessary precautions to prevent illness is essential for a successful and safe trip. In this article, we will discuss the 10 most common illnesses for tourists in the Philippines and how to prevent them.

Vaccines


It is important to ensure that all of your routine vaccinations are up to date before you travel to the Philippines. Vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), polio and annual influenza are all recommended prior to traveling. A number of additional vaccines may be recommended depending on where you will be visiting and the activities you plan to undertake. These might include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, Japanese encephalitis and the malaria vaccine.

In addition to these vaccines, many travelers consider a number of precautionary medicines designed to help prevent illness or treat minor illnesses that occur while travelling in foreign countries. Some of these medicines may include: mosquito repellent (DEET), occupational eye protection (for protection against bacterial/viral eye infections) as well as topical creams or ointments (for skin rashes). It is also recommended that travelers carry a first-aid kit with useful items such as antiseptic wipes and bandages along with any prescription medicines needed for the duration of their stay in the Philippines.

Mosquito Repellents


Mosquito repellents can be an important line of defense for travelers looking to avoid the plethora of mosquito-transmitted diseases that can be found in the Philippines. The Mayo Clinic recommends using products that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535, as these work best at protecting against biting insects. Keep your skin covered with loose-fitting clothing as an additional measure when outdoors. Additionally, use a quality mosquito netting when staying in accommodations that are not air conditioned to completely protect yourself from potential bug bites while sleeping.

Avoiding Contaminated Food and Water


When travelling to the Philippines, tourists need to be aware of the potential hazards of food and waterborne illnesses. The most common illnesses are typhoid and hepatitis A, which can be contracted through contaminated food or water. Bacteria, parasites and other organisms are spread through contaminated food and water, so it is extremely important to take precautions when eating and drinking.

To reduce the risk of infection from contaminated food or water, tourists should:
– Make sure all fruits and vegetables are washed thoroughly
– Always drink bottled or boiled water
– Only eat well cooked hot foods
– Avoid street foods (especially where displayed for long time)
– Order drinks without ice as ice can easily become contaminated with bacteria/viruses
– Use only pasteurized dairy products
– Refrain from eating raw seafood/meat
– Do not drink tap water unless it has been properly treated by boiling or filtered
Taking these precautions will help ensure that you stay safe while in the Philippines. Even though infections can occur, if preventive measures are taken the chances of becoming ill can significantly decrease.

Conclusion


Choosing to travel to the Philippines can be a great experience, as long as you take appropriate precautions. The ten most common illnesses for tourists in the region are dengue fever, leptospirosis, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis, schistosomiasis, typhoid fever, malaria, rabies virus infection, yellow fever and Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease. While these illnesses have varying severity and cause discomfort of varying levels and duration depending on the individual’s immune system and medical care received. Tourists must take necessary measures to protect themselves from each of these illnesses during their stay in the country by getting vaccinated before hand, taking medicines or wearing appropriate clothing when necessary. Additionally ensuring that food and water consumed is of hygienic quality will help towards preventing illness during a trip to Philippines.

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