How to stay healthy in Sri Lanka

Vaccinations are recommended for Hepatitis A+B and Tetanus. Also, obtain the Typhus vaccination outside of tourist areas especially in the wet season. The CDC also recommends vaccination against Japanese encephalitis 9 . Dengue fever: During the rainy season use mosquito repellent. When head and joint aches occur get a blood check. There is no vaccination yet. Malaria : Gampaha (e.g. Negombo), Colombo,Kalutara, Galle, and Nuwara Eliya districts are considered malaria free, as is the city (but not the entire district) of Kandy.Elsewhere, malaria exists and is most likely in Anuradhapura. In the dry season, using DEET repellent for a mid-day road or train trip to Kandy (including visits to the Peradeniya Gardens) or Nuwara Eliya should suffice. Risk increases after sunset. Malaria prophylaxis (anti-malarials) are warranted for trips to the north (especially Anuradhapura), east, and southeast (however some types are not available locally, and it may not be as effective as what you could obtain back home.) Yellow fever:A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas. Filaria:Sri Lanka is the first country in the South Asia region to eradicate Filaria 10 . Polio:Sri Lanka is considered polio free. Visitors should avoid drinking water from the tap. It is best to stick to bottled water for both drinking and tooth-brushing. Although snake bites are extremely rare among tourists (comparable to being struck by lightning), anyone bitten should seek prompt medical care. This is true even if the bite doesn’t result in any pain and swelling. The National Emergency number is 119. In Colombo, dial either 119 or if you want an emergency ambulance – 110. There are tiny little flies that live in the sand.Any contact with the dry sand usually results in bites and subsequent painful scratches. So avoid even a little sand on your skin, including legs. Visitors should avoid drinking water from the tap. It is best to stick to bottled water for both drinking and teeth brushing. Leafy,raw vegetables and salads should also be avoided, as they are washed with tap water.