Indian Subcontinent Health Information for Travelers to the Indian Subcontinent Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka Food and waterborne diseases are the number one cause of illness in travelers. Travelers' diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which are found throughout the region and can contaminate food or water. Make sure your food and drinking water are safe.
Malaria is a preventable infection that can be fatal if left untreated.
Malaria risk in this region exists in some urban and many rural areas, depending on elevation. Most travelers to the Indian Subcontinent at risk for malaria should take mefloquine to prevent malaria. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into certain of these countries if you are coming from countries in tropical South America or subSaharan Africa. Filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, leishmaniasis, and plague are diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region, but the risk to travelers is low. If you visit the Himalayan Mountains, ascend gradually to allow time for your body to adjust to the high altitude, which can cause insomnia, headaches, nausea, and altitude sickness.