Risk / Health Info for Indonesia

Do I need shots for Bali or Indonesia?

Make sure your regular shots including measles and rabies are up to date before you go to Indonesia. Canadian Travel Clinics can help you get vaccinated against food- and water-borne illnesses including hepatitis A and typhoid. You might also want to consider protecting yourself against hepatitis B, especially if you plan to visit Indonesia often or if you will work in healthcare or dentistry. It is contracted by contact with infected blood or body fluid, so can be spread by dirty needles (for acupuncture or tattoos), unprotected sex, or invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

Make sure you have had your rabies shot, especially if you plan to visit remote areas of Indonesia or work with animals. There is rabies among domestic and wild animals in Indonesia. Children are particularly vulnerable to getting bitten, as are runners and cyclists. Avoid any contact with wild or street dogs or monkeys, and also with pets. Always get prompt medical attention for any bite or scratch, even if you have had your shot.

What about mosquito-borne illnesses?

Several mosquito-borne illnesses are present in Indonesia, including in Bali and Java. You can protect yourself against Japanese encephalitis with a vaccine. Malaria, Zika, dengue fever and lymphatic filariasis are also endemic. Women who are pregnant or might become pregnant should consider avoiding visiting Indonesia. Reduce your risk of getting bitten by using a reliable insect repellent, wearing clothing with good coverage, and sleeping under a net or in air-conditioned or screened accommodation. At least six weeks before you to Indonesia, consult your Canadian Travel Clinic adviser about anti-malaria drugs.

What hospital facilities are there in Indonesia?

Indonesia does not have high-quality healthcare, and evacuation is often required for serious conditions. Not all medical staff speak English or French. You may be required to pay cash so make sure you have adequate funds. Make sure you have travel insurance, so consult your provincial or territorial health authority before you leave Canada.

Can I get bird flu in Indonesia?

There have been some cases of avian influenza in Indonesia. Avoid visiting markets and poultry farms where there might be live or dead poultry, and take the same precautions you would to protect yourself from any flu: wash your hands often, and cover your mouth and nose with your arm when you cough or sneeze.

Any other tips for travellers in Indonesia?

Global Affairs Canada advises caution about some alcoholic beverages in Indonesia containing poisonous substances such as methanol in Bali, Lombok, Java and Sumatra. Even brand name bottles may have been tampered with, and locally brewed liquors such as arak can be especially risky. Watch for symptoms of methanol poisoning including nausea and dizziness, and acute vision problems. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience such symptoms.

Dengue fever in Indonesia

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Indonesia 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.

Schistosomiasis in Indonesia

The schistosomiasis parasite enters humans through the skin during contact with fresh water. To prevent infection, avoid swimming or paddling in lakes and streams in Indonesia. This condition is also known as bilharzia.

Zika in Indonesia

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Indonesia. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to Indonesia. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.