Nepal has warned foreign travellers when travelling to Nepal due to the current cholera infections following an outbreak to exercise a high degree of caution. As medical facilities are very limited particularly outside Kathmandu we strongly recommend that you ensure your travel insurance covers you for cholera for overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government will not pay for a travellers medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs. Most international clinics are expensive and up-front cash payment for medical services is generally required. According to officials, 13 people have died in the past two months in the Doti districts. Cholera is caused by bacteria in the small intestines, which produces severe diarrhoea. It occurs in places with poor sanitations, crowding, war and famine. The infection can be contracted by eating or drinking food or water. Risk factors include:
- Exposure to contaminated or untreated drinking water
- Living in or travelling to areas where there is cholera
The symptoms are as follows:
- Abdominal cramps
- Dry mouth
- Dry skin
- Excessive thirst
- Glassy or sunken eyes
- Lack of tears
- Lethargy
- Low urine output
- Nausea
- Rapid dehydration
- Rapid pulse
- Infants have sunken “soft spots”
- Vomiting
- Unusual sleepiness or tiredness
- Watery diarrhoea that starts suddenly and has a “Fishy” odor
Treatment: is the replace fluid and electrolytes lost through diarrhoea. If you have the above symptoms we highly recommend seeking the advice of a medical professional. To view more information, please visit the Smart Traveller Website www.smarttraveller.gov.au Do you need travel insurance for Nepal? Here are some great reasons why you should InsureandGo:
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