Health and Vaccinations

There are some excellent private clinics, hospitals, and dentists in Kathmandu. In general, however, health care is poor in the other parts of the country.

Standard vaccinations

Generally recommended vaccinations for Nepal are Hepatitis A and Typhoid.

Cholera

Cases of cholera have been reported in Kathmandu and seasonal outbreaks across the country are common during the Monsoon season (June to September). To minimise the risk of illness, tourists should eat in restaurants only (there is an abundance of them) rather than off the street. Avoid drinking unboiled tap water, ice, and raw or undercooked vegetables. 

Malaria

Malaria remains relatively rare in the hills and mountains, including the Kathmandu Valley.

Rabies

Rabies is present in Nepal but there is a minimal risk of exposure in the mountains. Stay alert around stray animals (including monkeys) and seek immediate medical advice if bitten or scratched. Currently the Nepalese Government is vaccinating dogs in a campaign to eradicate rabies throughout the country.

Japanese encephalitis

The World Health Organization advises short-term visitors to Nepal during the rainy season (June-September) and all long-term visitors to Nepal to obtain Japanese encephalitis vaccinations before travelling.

AIDS

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 60,000 adults aged 15 or over in Nepal were living with HIV. The prevalence percentage is estimated at around 0.4% of the adult population (the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK is around 0.2%). Exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

Tourists should check the recommended vaccinations with the doctor, practice nurse, or local travel health clinic.