Risk / Health Info for Nepal

What vaccines should I get before I go to Nepal?

You will need a few vaccines for Nepal. These include hepatitis A and typhoid. Vaccination against Rabies is worth considering, particularly for children or if you are planning to work with animals during your time in Nepal.

Minor stomach upsets are a normal part of travel in Nepal. Keep hydrated, employ good hand hygiene and stick to foods that are gentle on the stomach until you recover.

What medical facilities are there in Nepal?

Medical treatment in Nepal may be expensive, particularly in clinics aimed at western travellers. Healthcare is not so good outside the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara and prices for evacuation from remote parts of Nepal are high (between £1,000 and £2,000 per hour in the air).

Dial 102 for emergency medical assistance in Nepal.

Recent outbreaks in Nepal

As there have been cases of bird flu among poultry, you should avoid visiting livestock markets and poultry farms.

Cases of scrub typhus have been seen in Nepal. Scrub typhus is caught from infected mites which are picked up in scrub vegetation. Prophylaxis against scrub typhus is available, so ask your doctor if you are concerned.

Altitude in Nepal

Parts of Nepal are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Dengue fever in Nepal

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Nepal. 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 Nepal

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Nepal 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.

Zika in Nepal

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Nepal. 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 Nepal. 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.