Why Health Matters Before You Travel

Travellers to Sri Lanka may encounter illnesses uncommon at home: mosquito-borne diseases, food- and water-borne infections, or injuries from outdoor adventures. Vaccinations, good hygiene, and health planning go a long way toward ensuring your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.

Recommended Vaccinations & Immunisations

• Routine Vaccines: Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap), Polio, Influenza
• Travel-Specific: Hepatitis A; Typhoid (food/water risk); Rabies (if exposed to animals); Hepatitis B; possibly Japanese Encephalitis depending on rural exposure
• Yellow Fever: Only required if arriving from a country where risk exists — check with your vaccination clinic

Try to get vaccines at least 4-6 weeks before your departure so your immune system has time to build full protection.

Health Risks in Sri Lanka

• Dengue & Chikungunya: Carried by mosquitoes; no vaccine for dengue yet — use repellents, appropriate clothing, and screens. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Malaria: Risk is very low in most popular tourist areas; may be higher in remote, forested, or northern zones. Consult a specialist if you're travelling off-grid. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Rabies: Found in dogs and other mammals; animal bites/scratches require prompt medical attention. Consider pre-exposure vaccine if you will be in contact with animals. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Water- and Food-borne Illnesses: Traveller’s diarrhoea, typhoid risk, Hepatitis A. Safe food choices and clean water help reduce risk. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Health Care & Facilities

Major cities like Colombo and Kandy have good private hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff. In rural or remote areas, medical services may be limited. Make sure you have travel health insurance and a plan for medical evacuation if needed.

Preventive Measures: What You Can Do

• Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito nets (especially during dusk-to-dawn hours).
• Drink bottled or filtered water; avoid ice from non-reliable sources.
• Eat food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot; peel fruits yourself.
• Stay cool and hydrated; avoid excessive sun exposure during the midday hours.

Special Considerations

If you are pregnant, elderly, or have chronic medical conditions, talk to your doctor about additional precautions. For longer stays or travel in remote areas, consider extra vaccination or prophylaxis, and ensure you carry any prescription medicines in their original packaging along with documentation.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you experience sustained high fever, bleeding, severe dehydration, animal bites, or suspicious skin infections, seek medical attention quickly. Also, if you develop symptoms after returning home, please mention your travel history.

Useful Resources

• CDC: Sri Lanka Travel Health Information
• TravelHealthPro: Sri Lanka
• UK FCDO: Health in Sri Lanka

Frequently Asked Questions