Infectious Diseases in Johor

Infectious diseases are disorders caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. They can spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another. Some infectious diseases are transmitted by insects or other animals. Infectious diseases can also spread through the consumption of contaminated water or food or exposure to organisms in the environment.

The branch of medicine that focuses on infectious diseases is called infectiology, which is a subspecialty of internal medicine. Doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases are called infectious diseases (ID) specialists. While most common infections can be treated by general internists and other specialists, ID specialists are frequently called upon to help diagnose and assist in treating or managing unusual, difficult, or complicated infections. Since many infectious diseases are related to other medical conditions, ID specialists work with doctors in many specialty areas, such as doctors trained in dermatology, immunology, or cardiovascular medicine. 

Some of the most common infectious diseases that ID specialists diagnose, treat, and manage include:

• Bone and joint infections
• Heart valve infections
• Blastomycosis
• Complicated urinary tract infections
• Lyme disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Viral hepatitis
• Rubella, Measles, and Mumps
• Malaria
• Cholera
• Dengue
• Ebola
• Sepsis
• Tuberculosis
• Rheumatic fever
• Travel medicine
• Tick-borne infections
• Meningitis
• Pneumonia
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
• Post-operative infections.

There are numerous procedures that ID specialists and other specialists use to diagnose, prevent, and treat infectious diseases. These include, but are not limited to:

• Laboratory tests, including blood tests, urine tests, stool samples, throat swabs, and a spinal tap (lumbar puncture)
• Imaging scans, such as CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays.
• Biopsies.
• Antibiotic therapies
• Immunizations
• Infection control
• Fecal microbiota (stool) transplant
• Antimicrobial therapy (OPAT)
• Antifungal therapy
• Anti-parasitic therapy.

How Long Should I Stay in Johor?

Your length of stay depends on the severity of your infection and which organ is affected by the infection. Some types of infectious diseases may require hospitalization, while others do not. It is generally advisable that you plan to stay in Johor for at least 7 to 14 days. Even if you do not need hospitalization, some types of treatment may require several appointments. In addition, you may also need to attend follow-up checkups.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery time after infectious disease can vary, depending on the type and severity of the infection. For some infectious diseases, the healing process can take time and it can take a few months until you can resume your normal activities. Some other types of infectious diseases, however, only need around 2 weeks or even less of recovery time. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to work and resume your normal activities.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your doctor will give you detailed aftercare instruction. It is important to follow every instruction closely. They may also tell you prevention measures to decrease the risk of infection from occurring in the future. These include washing your hands frequently, to get vaccinated, practice safe sex, travel wisely, stay home when ill, prepare food safely, and avoid sharing personal items. 

What's the Success Rate?

Active research in infectious diseases has resulted in new discoveries that help doctors to refine the treatment and management approach to infectious diseases. The success rate of infectious disease treatment has increased significantly in the past several decades. Some types of treatments even have 90% success rates.   

Are there Alternatives?

There are a number of products that have been studied for preventing or shortening the duration of some infections, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, garlic, ginseng, and zinc. However, it is best that you see your general physician, a specialist, or an ID specialist to treat your infection instead of taking alternative medicine.  

Infectious Diseases in and around Johor

About Johor

Johor, the Southern Gateway to Malaysia, continues to prosper as a tourism destination. Johor’s geographical position draws many tourists from neighboring countries especially Singapore. Tourists flocked to Johor to experience its great shopping deals, cheap food, beautiful nature, and theme parks. Johor Premium Outlets, LEGOLAND Malaysia, and Sanrio Hello Kitty Town are the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. Johor is expecting a total of 17 million visitors in 2019.

Recently, Johor has become a thriving medical tourist destination. Johor recorded 60,000 medical tourists visiting the state in 2017 to seek medical treatments. As one of the biggest contributors to Malaysia’s rising medical tourism, the state keeps innovating and improving its health facilities to increase the number of medical tourists. Johor hospitals offer cutting edge technology with experienced doctors and at a reasonable price.

The hospitals in Johor are of world-class standards and accredited by global accreditation. One of the highest-rated hospitals in the state is Gleneagles Medini Hospital that offers a wide range of treatments. Cosmetic surgeries such as eyelid surgery and breast augmentation are the most popular procedures in Johor.

Popular Areas in Johor

Johor offers plenty of attractions to discover. It is easy to see why many people are drawn to travel to the state. Tourists have many options to choose the kind of adventure they want to experience, from exploring incredible islands and tropical rainforests, admiring famous historical landmarks, spending a day in theme parks, to shopping in a cosmopolitan city of Johor Bahru.

• Seribuat Archipelago lies on the east coast of Johor; the archipelago has beautiful clear waters and sandy beaches that will take your breath away. Tourists who want to discover the amazing underwater life can do many activities such as diving and snorkeling.
• Gunung Ledang National Park (Mount Ophir), the highest mountain of Johor is known as the home of a mythical princess, Puteri Gunung Ledang. Tourists can go hiking on this beautiful mountain and will be rewarded with an amazing view and do not miss out on the chance to cool off in Puteri falls.
• Legoland is the best place for tourists who travel with kids. The first Legoland in Asia offers over 70 rides with a separate water park and ‘Sea Life.’ There is also a Legoland hotel for tourists who want to fully experience the theme park.
• Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque, Johor’s state mosque, is located on top of a hill in Johor Bahru with beautiful views to the Johor Strait and Singapore. The architecture follows the style of Victorian and Moorish and takes the form of British 19th-century clock towers.

Weather and Climate in Johor

The tropical weather allows Johor to enjoy a relatively stable warm temperature throughout the year. The highest average temperature is 33°C and the lowest is 31°C. Humidity is generally high in Johor so tourists are advised to pack light and comfortable clothing.

The rainy season usually starts from April to September and from October to early November. Some islands in Seribuat Archipelago may be ‘closed’ during the rainy season due to the rough weather.

Getting Around in Johor

Senai International Airport is the gateway to Johor. Located 32km from Johor Bahru, the airport serves domestic flights as well as international flights to and from Bangkok, Jakarta, Seoul, Guangzhou, and Ho Chi Minh City. Senai International airport serves budget airlines and is the hub for AirAsia and Malindo Air.

To reach the city center, tourists can take a taxi or Airport Shuttle Bus. A ride to Johor Bahru by taxi takes approximately 30 minutes while taking the bus will take longer. Remember that taxis use a coupon system, the coupon can be bought from the taxi counter inside the Aeromall.

Tourists from Singapore can go to Johor by bus or car via Johor–Singapore Causeway. Tourist who wants to avoid traffic jams can opt for the KTM’s Shuttle Tebrau from Woodlands Train Checkpoint to Johor Bahru.

Tourists visiting Johor Bahru can travel to different attractions within the city by using the bus service although it can get pretty confusing since the bus stops may not be shown clearly. It is advisable to directly ask the bus driver for the destination. Taxis are available in the state but it is best to insist on using the meter or negotiate the fare in advance.

To travel to other cities in Johor, tourist can ride long distant buses from Larkin Bus Terminal. Buses normally leave once every hour and have a reasonable price. If you wish to travel to many cities in Johor, renting a car is the best choice.

Tourists Visas in Johor

Tourists are only allowed to enter Malaysia if their passport is valid for at least six months after arrival. Most nationalities can enter Malaysia without a visa for 30 or 90 days. Several foreign nationalities including China, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Nepal Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Serbia, and Montenegro must apply and obtain a visa before entering the country.

The Malaysian Immigration provides an online visa application for selected foreign nationals, the process is usually faster and easier. Those who travel to Johor for medical treatment can apply for eVisa Medical. The visa is valid for a single journey with a maximum of 30 days. Patients who need to stay for more than 30 days must obtain a long term Medical Pass.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The ringgit (RM) is the local currency. 1USD is equivalent to RM4.20. Printed in a variation of colors and sizes, it is easier and less confusing for travelers to work with the currency to avoid giving the wrong bills when shopping.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are easily available around the state and credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants. It is wise to always carry a small amount of cash especially when traveling to a more suburban area because many vendors will only accept cash, some vendors won’t change bills over RM20. Tourists can bargain with street vendors but always remember to be polite. Tipping will be appreciated but not necessary.
3. Local Language: Malay or Bahasa Melayu is the official language in Johor. The majority of people, especially in Johor Bahru, can speak English relatively well. Directions and signs are usually written in Malay and English. Other languages that are widely-spoken in Johor are Mandarin Chinese and Tamil.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The state’s culture is heavily influenced by the Arabs, Javanese, and Bugis people. Johor is also home to a large Chinese and Indian community. The official religion is Islam with Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, as the other religions freely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: It is important to keep in mind that the weekend in Johor is Friday and Saturday. Like other parts of Malaysia, Johor celebrates the holy days of every major religion and holds a number of festivals throughout the year. One of the most famous festivals in Johor is the annual Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival. Usually held around February and March, the festival showcases one thousand modern and traditional kites.