Egypt : Travel Health

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

Researching Travel Plans

Please note that this health information about Egypt may be out-of-date.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 Egypt

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

• Food and waterborne diseases - the number one cause of illness in travelers
• travelers’ diarrhea
• cholera
• Escherichia coli diarrhea
• hepatitis A
• hepatitis B
• hepatitis C - highest prevalence in world
• schistosomiasis - found in fresh water including Nile river
• typhoid fever
• Insect borne diseases
• parasitic diseases
• Dengue fever
• filariasis
• leishmaniasis
• onchocerciasis
• Rift valley fever
• African trypanosomiasis - sleeping sickness
• amebiasis
• diptheria - endemic to the region
• West Nile fever

More Common Diseases and Medical Concerns for Egypt

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

• motor vehicle trauma - wear seatbelts and avoid night driving
• respiratory disease e.g. asthma, bronchitis from chronic air pollution/dust

Less Common Diseases and Health Concerns for Egypt

The following health concerns or medical diseases are less commonly found in Egypt compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World:

• malaria - Very limited risk in El Faiyum area only

Uncommon or Rare Diseases and Medical Concerns for Egypt

These medical diseases or health concerns are uncommon or rare in Egypt:

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

Vaccinations for Travel to Egypt

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

• hepatitis A - or immune globulin (IG)
• hepatitis B - if risk of exposure to blood/bodily fluid or medical treatment or if your stay will be longer than 6 months, all infants and children 11-12 years who did not complete the series as infants
• rabies - if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation
• tetanus - booster dose as needed, diphtheria - booster dose as needed
• measles - booster dose as needed
• polio - one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults
• typhoid

Preventions or Health Precautions for Travel to Egypt

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

• 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
• to prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot
• always use latex condoms - reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
• don’t eat dairy products - unless you know they have been pasteurized
• don’t eat food purchased from street vendors
• don’t drink beverages with ice
• don’t eat dairy products unless you know they have been pasteurized
• don’t share needles with anyone
• don’t handle animals - especially monkeys, dogs, and cats), to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague - risk for travelers is small)
• don’t swim in fresh water, including the Nile. Salt water is usually safer
• sandstorms can pose serious threats to driving and walking - avoid these if possible
• avoid areas with barbed wire - these areas may indicate unexploded land mines

Other Relevant Issues for Travel to Egypt

The following may be issues relevant to travel to Egypt:

• medical care is adequate for non-emergency situations
• emergency care is limited
• medical facilites outside Cairo are substandard
• those seeking study, training or work permits will be tested for HIV
• there may be consular warnings against travel to the country, check latest advice for updates