Czech Republic : Travel Health

WARNING! This information is out-dated and likely to be inaccurate!

Researching Travel Plans

Please note that this health information about Czech Republic may be out-of-date. Always research the current health conditions and issues in any region you plan to visit prior to departure.

Infectious Diseases and Medical Concerns for Czech Republic

The following medical diseases or health concerns are more common in travel to Czech Republic (compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World):

• tick borne encephalitis
• travelers' diarrhea
• cholera
• Escherichia coli diarrhea
• hepatitis A
• typhoid fever
• Insect born diseases
• parasitic diseases
• plague - risk for travelers is small
• toxoplasmosis
• HIV/AIDS
• hepatitis B
• Lyme disease

More Common Diseases and Medical Concerns for Czech Republic

The following health concerns or diseases are more commonly found in Czech Republic compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World:

• motor vehicle trauma - wear seatbelts and avoid night driving

Uncommon or Rare Diseases and Medical Concerns for Czech Republic

These medical diseases or health concerns are uncommon or rare in Czech Republic:

• yellow fever - no risk although vaccination certificate may be required if coming from an infected area
• malaria - no current risk

Vaccinations for Travel to Czech Republic

The following medical vaccinations are desirable or helpful for travel to Czech Republic to prevent contagious diseases in Czech Republic:

• hepatitis A - or immune globulin (IG)
• hepatitis B - If you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, stay longer than 6 months, or be exposed through medical treatment.
• rabies - if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation
• typhoid
• tetanus - booster dose as needed
• diphtheria - booster dose as needed
• measles - booster dose as needed
• polio

Preventions or Health Precautions for Travel to Czech Republic

Any health risk of travel to Czech Republic may be reduced by the following precautionary health measures when visiting Czech Republic:

• high rate of motor vehicle trauma - avoid night driving and wear seatbelts
• mosquito bite prevention
• insect bite protection
• avoid drinking non-treated water - only drink bottled or canned water
• eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself
• keep feet clean and dry - help prevent parasitic infections
• do not go barefoot - help prevent parasitic infections
• always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
• don't eat food purchased from street vendors
• don't drink beverages with ice
• don't share needles with anyone
• don't handle animals (especially monkeys/dogs/cats) - to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague - risk for travelers is small)
• don't swim in fresh water. Salt water is usually safer
• use sunblock and take sunglasses and a hat
• case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy identified, no human cases but precautions with beef and beef products should be exercised

Other Relevant Issues for Travel to Czech Republic

The following may be issues relevant to travel to Czech Republic:

• adequate medical care is available in Prague but not to the standard of industrialized countries, medical care is substandard throughout the rest of the country