Iraq : Travel Health

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

Researching Travel Plans

Please note that this health information about Iraq may be out-of-date.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

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

• travelers’ diarrhea
• cholera
• malaria
• Escherichia coli diarrhea
• hepatitis A
• typhoid fever
• Insect born diseases
• parasitic diseases
• Dengue fever
• filariasis
• leishmaniasis
• onchocerciasis
• plague - risk for travelers is small
• toxoplasmosis
• HIV
• AIDS
• hepatitis B
• diptheria - endemic to the region
• Tuberculosis
• Brucellosis - avoid unpasteurized dairy products

More Common Diseases and Medical Concerns for Iraq

The following health concerns or diseases are more commonly found in Iraq 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 Iraq

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

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

Vaccinations for Travel to Iraq

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

• 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 Iraq

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

• Take your malaria prevention medication before, during, and after travel, as directed
• 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 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, and 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
• avoid crowded public places and public transportation whenever possible

Other Relevant Issues for Travel to Iraq

The following may be issues relevant to travel to Iraq:

• medical care is substandard
• HIV testing may be required for entry
• there may be consular warnings against travel to the country
• check latest advice for updates