Middle East and North Africa

Medical facilities outside Cairo can be basic and in case of emergency you are advised to seek treatment in Cairo. You should ensure that your medical insurance covers the cost of local hospitalisation and medical repatriation to your country of residence.

 

Come prepared for the heat. Use a high factor sun block and drink plenty of water to guard against exposure and dehydration, which can result in serious health problems.

 

In general tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is cheap and readily available.

 

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 9,000 adults aged 15 or over in Egypt were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at less than 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see our HIV and AIDS page.

 

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Egypt and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.

 

For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection for Egypt you should check the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

 

For more general health information see our Travel Health page.

 

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) (H5N1)

 

The first cases of bird flu in Egypt were confirmed on 17 February 2006.  Since then, bird flu has been confirmed in 20 Governorates.  This has led to a number of cases of human infection, including 27 fatalities, believed to have arisen from close contact with infected poultry. Since the end of 2003, a number of human deaths have also occurred in Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Iraq, Laos, Nigeria, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.

 

Over 1.2 million British tourists visited Egypt in 2008 and the risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low. However, as a precaution you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of the possibility that the Avian Influenza outbreaks could lead at some point to a human flu pandemic, if the virus mutates to a form which is easily transmissible between people.

 

British nationals living longer term in an Avian-Influenza affected region should take personal responsibility for their own safety in the event of a future pandemic, including considering their access to adequate healthcare and ensuring travel documents are up to date.

You should read this advice in conjunction with our Avian and Pandemic Influenza page, which gives more detailed advice and information.

Swine Flu - A (H1N1)

There are confirmed human cases of the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) in Egypt, including several deaths. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert has been raised to Level 6. The World Health Organisation website has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be found on the UK Department of Health website.

Egyptian authorities screen for the Swine Flu virus at many Egyptian airports, including Cairo, Hurghada, Taba, Luxor and Sharm El Sheikh for passengers arriving on international flights. There is currently no exit screening in place although this may change with no notice. Several British nationals have been taken to hospital after showing high temperatures and/or flu like symptoms. If you have a high temperature and/or flu like symptoms, you should seek medical advice prior to travel to prevent hospitalisation on arrival in Egypt.

Anyone showing a temperature above 38 C (97.5 F) and/or demonstrating flu-like symptoms may be  placed in a designated isolation hospital while further tests are carried out. Results from the tests can take up to 24 hours to be known. Those who test positive are required to remain in quarantine, in hospital, until the virus has been retested again after treatment and found to be negative.  

Medical facilities can be basic and vary throughout the country. Consular staff are unable to secure better hospital facilities or food and because of isolation requirements are unable to visit those affected. British nationals who are hospitalised with swine flu should contact their insurance company and travel representative as soon as possible.

If you are quarantined in a private hospital you may be charged for accommodation, food and medical treatment even if you are found to be H1N1 negative. The British Embassy is unable to advance payment or settle bills on your behalf.