Honest about the risks, and specific about what prevents each one.
Dengue
Named by both sources as a risk, and CDC carries a standing notice that dengue is a year-round risk in many parts of the world with outbreaks commonly every two to five years. The mosquitoes that carry it bite in daylight. The Government of Canada notes there is no vaccine or medication available in Canada to prevent it.
Prevention Repellent through the day, not just at dusk, and reapplied. Air-conditioned or screened rooms. Long sleeves in the evenings.
Rabies
CDC reports increased human rabies cases in Sarawak and says rabid dogs are sometimes found in Malaysia. Macaques at temples, car parks and viewpoints are the other common exposure, because visitors feed them and monkeys grab.
Prevention Do not touch or feed dogs, cats or monkeys. Keep food out of sight around macaques. Wash any bite, scratch or lick on broken skin for a full fifteen minutes and seek medical advice the same day, vaccinated or not.
Zika
The Government of Canada names Zika as a risk in Malaysia and CDC lists it among the mosquito-borne infections to prevent by avoiding bites. It spreads mainly by mosquito but also sexually, and it can cause serious birth defects.
Prevention If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, this deserves a conversation before you book rather than after.
Leptospirosis
CDC lists it under avoiding contaminated water and soil, and specifically says to avoid floodwater. It is the one that catches people out on the activities Malaysia is good at โ waterfall pools, jungle rivers, caving and adventure racing.
Prevention Cover cuts before going into fresh water. Do not swallow river or waterfall water. Stay out of floodwater, and tell us if you are doing anything in fresh water inland โ it can change what we send you with.
Travellerโs diarrhoea
The Government of Canada calls it the most common illness affecting travellers. Malaysian food is one of the great reasons to go, and this is the ordinary cost of eating well.
Prevention Bottled or boiled water, ice you trust, food cooked fresh and served hot. Busy stalls with fast turnover beat quiet ones with food sitting out. Rehydration salts weigh nothing, and we can send you with a standby antibiotic where it is appropriate.
Health care outside the big cities
The Government of Canada states that good health care is only available in major cities, that quality varies greatly throughout the country, and that payment is expected at the time of service in cash or by major credit card. Kuala Lumpur and Penang are well served; interior Borneo and the smaller islands are a long way from that.
Prevention Travel insurance that includes medical evacuation, with the policy number saved offline. Carry a real travel health kit if you are going beyond the cities, and keep all prescription medication in labelled packaging in your hand luggage.
Heat and the sea
Diving and snorkelling are why many people go, and coral cuts get infected quickly in warm water. The islands are also a long way from the major cities where the Government of Canada says good health care is available.
Prevention Clean and cover every scrape properly. Check your insurance covers diving to the depth you plan. Tell us if you are diving โ doxycycline and long days in strong sun are a poor combination, and that alone often decides which malaria tablet we choose.