A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from
travellers coming from infected areas. There is a risk of malaria
throughout the low-lying areas of the country, and it is
recommended that travellers to China seek medical advice before
departure. A total of 18 human cases of avian influenza ('bird
flu') have been reported from China since November 2005. Twelve of
the cases were fatal. Travellers are unlikely to be affected by
bird flu, but live animal markets and places where contact with
live poultry is possible should be avoided. All poultry and egg
dishes should also be thoroughly cooked. Outbreaks of SARS (Severe
Acute Respiratory Syndrome) are officially over, but travellers are
warned to remain vigilant for this viral disease. The last case
occurred in April 2004. Japanese encephalitis has been responsible
for the deaths of a number of people in the Shaanxi and Shanxi
provinces in northern China, and rabies infects people every year,
occasionally causing death. Outbreaks of dengue fever occur.
Altitude sickness can occur in the mountainous regions of Tibet,
Qinghai, parts of Xinjiang, and western Sichuan. Outside city
centres, visitors should only drink bottled water. Western-style
medical centres with international staff are available in the major
cities and usually accept credit cards. Health insurance is
recommended.
Cities & Regions:
Beijing |
Shanghai |
Xi'an |
Tibet