Journey to Thailand

Frage

Dear Experts,

We are considering a trip to Thailand with our 9-year-old son, who has cystic fibrosis, at the end of December/beginning of January. We're planning a beach holiday. His doctor is very pleased with his condition; he rarely gets sick or even catches a cold.

I've already searched online and here as well, but unfortunately, the last post about Thailand was a few years old.

I would appreciate your opinion.

Thank you in advance.

Best regards

Antwort

Dear questioner,

we have consulted Prof. Hogardt again, who also answered the question in the archive.
... If you enter "Thailand" in the search field on this page, you will find some questions and answers. Based on these, here is the updated information:

"Regarding the exposure risk related to Burkholderia, nothing significant has changed.

B. pseudomallei (so-called melioidosis) is still endemic in Southeast Asia/Thailand. Infections in returning travelers are very rare, but can also occur late (after months or even years). Exposure occurs via the environment, especially water and soil (e.g., rice paddies). A backpacking trip to rural areas is therefore certainly considered riskier than a typical hotel vacation.

B. cepacia complex (BCC) is less 'pathogenic' and therefore does not affect all travelers, but essentially only people with a predisposition (e.g., cystic fibrosis). Unlike melioidosis, BCC (also exposed via the environment) also poses a certain risk in one's home country. Of course, the availability of modulators has changed, which very likely also affects susceptibility." for infection/colonization.

Nevertheless, a residual risk remains, but the exposure risk and the environmental habitat of both pathogens have not changed.

As with all travel, the transport of medications (which may need to be refrigerated) and inhalers, as well as insulin and syringes for diabetics, must be carefully planned. It is often helpful to bring standby antibiotics that the clinic can prescribe, as they are familiar with the patient's bacterial status.

Furthermore, general hygiene measures must be observed on site – especially water quality! Travel vaccinations and the travel advisories of the Foreign Office should still be followed.

If the patient is in good health, such a trip is certainly justifiable; a residual risk always remains and cannot be precisely quantified.

Best regards,
Michael Hogardt and Daniela d'Alquen

12.10.2026