Risk / Health Info for Egypt

What injections should I get for Egypt

The vaccines you need for Egypt are listed on this page. These include a hepatitis A and typhoid, which is a good idea before travelling to Egypt. Hep A and typhoid are often contracted from food or water.

Some people should consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis B. These include children, frequent and long-stay travellers as well as those who will be working in a healthcare setting, including dentistry or in a lab that handles bodily fluids.

Rabies occurs in Egypt and if you are going to a remote part of Egypt or if you will be working with animals, particularly bats and dogs, consider getting vaccinated. Children should also be vaccinated against rabies. Seek urgent medical advice for an animal bite or scratch, even if you have been vaccinated.

What are the healthcare facilities like in Egypt?

Some of the medical facilities in tourist resorts are of questionable quality, and it is recommended you check The Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s advice on this matter. Psychiatric care may not be available outside major cities. It is important to have good travel insurance for Egypt.

The emergency number in Egypt is 123.

Other health information for Egypt

Because of the dry climate in Egypt it is important to keep hydrated.

There have been a few cases of avian flu in Egypt. These occur mainly in rural areas. The risk to humans is very low and you can further reduce your risk of contracting bird flu by avoiding contact with wild or domestic birds.

Cases of dengue fever are occasionally seen in Egypt. Avoid mosquito bites. There may also be a risk of another mosquito-borne disease, malaria. The risk depends on where and when you will be visiting and drugs to help prevent malaria are available.

Altitude in Egypt

Parts of Egypt are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Schistosomiasis in Egypt

The schistosomiasis parasite enters humans through the skin during contact with fresh water. To prevent infection, avoid swimming or paddling in lakes and streams in Egypt. This condition is also known as bilharzia.

Dengue fever in Egypt

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Egypt. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Malaria in Egypt

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Egypt at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.