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Country Guide > East Asia > Korea (Democratic Peoples Republic Of) | |
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Health
1 Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. However, cholera is a risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include a vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness; see the Health appendix. 2 Immunisation against typhoid is highly recommended, and against poliomyelitis is generally advised. 3 Malaria risk is low and exists mainly in the benign vivax form. Food & drink All water should be regarded as a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is widely available and considered fine to drink. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Other risks Diarrhoeal diseases including giardiasis, dysentery and typhoid fever are common. Hepatitis B is endemic in the area. Hepatitis A and E also occur along with tuberculosis. Epidemics of Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever may occur. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. Health care ‘People’s Hospitals’ and clinics are found throughout the country, but resources can be limited and basic. At present, emergency medical flights are not permitted into the country. Tourist sites generally provide medical facilities. International travellers are strongly advised to take out health insurance. |