Laos
Outbreaks
- There is a measles outbreak.
This page contains the main health risks for travellers and general recommendations. Travel conditions are different for everyone and each patient's health condition varies. Discuss your trip during a travel consultation with your doctor or in a travel clinic, preferably six to eight weeks before departure.
Register your trip and read the information about security, healthcare and other practical aspects on the FPS Foreign Affairs website.
Important health risks
Malaria risk areas
- High in certain regions in the southern third of the country.
- Prevention: mosquito-repellent measures and preventive malaria tablets. Because of problems of resistance, the use of mefloquine (Lariam®) is not recommended.
- Prevention: mosquito-repellent measures and preventive malaria tablets. Because of problems of resistance, the use of mefloquine (Lariam®) is not recommended.
- Moderate in the southern half of the country bordering Vietnam.
- Prevention: mosquito-repellent measures. Sometimes in combination wih preventive malaria tablets for people with an increased risk.
- Prevention: mosquito-repellent measures. Sometimes in combination wih preventive malaria tablets for people with an increased risk.
- Low in the northern half and most regions of southwestern part of the country.
- Prevention: mosquito-repellent measures.
- Prevention: mosquito-repellent measures.
- None in Vientiane (city center).
- Species: P. vivax 83%, rare cases of P. knowlesi. Mefloquine resistance is reported.
In case of fever during or after your journey, get tested for malaria as soon as possible.
Other insect-borne diseases
Insects can transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and zika.
Japanese encephalitis occurs in the entire country, especially from June to September.
Protect yourself against insects.
Ticks
Ticks can transmit diseases.
Rabies
Dogs and other mammals can be infected with rabies.
Schistosomiasis
There is a risk of infection with schistosomiasis when swimming or bathing in lakes and rivers.
Altitude sickness
You may experience altitude sickness in areas above 2500 metres.
COVID-19
Take a look at the general preventive measures related to COVID-19.
- Carefully read the entry conditions and local measures of this country.
Other possible infections
Other frequent health risks while travelling
Read these tips before you leave.
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travellers.
Update of basic vaccinations
- Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis
- Polio
- Measles-mumps-rubella:
- Check your vaccination status. Early measles vaccination is recommended for some young children.
Polio
A single booster of polio vaccination is recommended for all travellers to Asia or Africa aged 16 years or older.
Polio vaccination is compulsory for all travellers who will be spending more than four weeks in this country. This vaccination must be administered at least four weeks and no more than twelve months prior to departure from the country and must be registered in an International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis.
Other vaccinations
Discuss with your doctor whether one of the following vaccinations is recommended for you: