East Timor
Avoid dental treatment in East Timor as the standards of care and hygiene cannot be guaranteed.
Medication in short supply and even when available is often out of date, heat damaged or counterfeit and therefore should be avoided
Blood supplies should be considered as unsafe in East Timor
Medical care is substandard throughout the country including in Dili. Although acceptable emergency medical care is available in Dili, routine medical care in East Timor is extremely limited. Adequate evacuation coverage for all travelers is a high priority. In the event of serious medical conditions every effort should be made to go to Singapore or Australia for treatment.
Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if needed.
Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, influenza, or a one-time polio booster if you haven't previously received one for travel. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
Insect-borne diseases: Mosquitoes transmit a variety of diseases in this country, including malaria, dengue fever, and Japanese encephalitis. Personal protective measures are extremely important since insects cannot be avoided.
Food- and water-borne diseases: Quite a few diseases, including hepatitis A and typhoid fever, are transmitted by unsanitary food handling procedures and contaminated water. Food and beverage precautions are essential in order to reduce chance of illness. Anti-diarrheal drugs may be prescribed by your provider.
Tuberculosis is common in all developing countries. However, this country has a prevalence of over 100 cases per 100,000 population, the highest WHO risk category. Travelers planning to stay more than 3 months should have pre-departure PPD skin test status documented. Travelers should avoid crowded public places and public transportation whenever possible. Domestic help should be screened for TB.
