Risk / Health Info for Bangladesh

What immunizations do you need for Bangladesh?

In addition to your regular shots, which should be up to date before you leave for Bangladesh, consider getting hepatitis A, typhoid and cholera shots. These unpleasant gastrointestinal diseases are easily picked up in areas with poor sanitation and spread by contaminated food and water.

You should also consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, transmitted via contact with blood or body fluid. Routes of infection include medical interventions, shared or dirty needles, unprotected sex, and tattooing or piercing.

Animals in Bangladesh can carry rabies, so make sure you have been vaccinated. Always get prompt medical attention if you are bitten or scratched by an animal, even if you have had your shot.

Travellers to Bangladesh are at risk of several mosquito-borne illnesses, including Zika, dengue fever and lymphatic filariasis. Consider getting vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis, and talk to a Canadian Travel Clinics adviser about malaria. It is possible to contract leishmaniasis from sandflies in Bangladesh. Protect yourself against bug bites by wearing clothing that covers as much skin as possible, using a reliable insect repellent and sleeping under a bed net.

Other health risks in Bangladesh include tuberculosis and avian influenza. Our travel advisers can give you advice on protecting yourself.

Avoid “traveller’s diarrhea.” Practise good food and water precautions: use only commercially bottled or sterilized water, and do not eat food that has not been boiled or cooked or that you have not peeled.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate in Bangladesh

There is no risk of yellow fever in Bangladesh, but depending on your travel plans, you may need to prove you have been vaccinated against it when you enter Bangladesh. Talk to our experts about your itinerary to help you decide whether you need a certificate, or a shot.

What are the medical facilities like in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh has inadequate medical facilities. Evacuation might be required in case of emergency, and you may be expected to pay for health services in cash before treatment. Make sure you have travel insurance before you leave for Bangladesh. Consult your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

Dengue fever in Bangladesh

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Bangladesh 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.

cholera in Bangladesh

typhoid in Bangladesh