Israel : Travel Health

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

Researching Travel Plans

Please note that this health information about Israel may be out-of-date.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

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

• travelers’ diarrhea
• cholera
• 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
• West Nile fever
• Brucellosis - avoid unpasteurized dairy products

More Common Diseases and Medical Concerns for Israel

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

• motor vehicle trauma - wear seatbelts and avoid night driving
• respiratory conditions may be exacerbated from air pollution

Less Common Diseases and Health Concerns for Israel

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

• hepatitis B - intermediate prevalence

Uncommon or Rare Diseases and Medical Concerns for Israel

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

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

Vaccinations for Travel to Israel

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

• 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 Israel

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

• in highly developed areas observe precautions similar to travel in United States
• Most other areas, take note of the following
• 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
• air pollution may exacerbate respiratory conditions
• cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) have been identified in cattle - no human cases isolated however caution should be taken

Other Relevant Issues for Travel to Israel

The following may be issues relevant to travel to Israel:

• high level medical care is available in major cities
• adequate medical care is available throughout the rest of the country but may not be to standards of industrialized countries
• HIV testing may be required for entry
• there may be consular warnings against travel to the country
• check latest advice for updates