Middle East and North Africa

Medical facilities outside Amman are basic and primitive and in an emergency you are advised to seek treatment in Amman. However, if needed, emergency treatment is also available in Aqaba. But please be aware for more complicated matters you will be transferred to Amman.

The temperature in summer months can reach over 40 degrees Celsius. Take care and use high factor sun-block. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Jordan and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see travel health.

A (H1N1) - swine flu

 

There are confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) swine flu in Jordan, including one death (Department of Health). The World Health Organisation (WHO) pandemic threat alert phase has been raised to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. You should monitor local media reports for any further developments and advice. There is a dedicated the swine flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu is available on the UK Department of Health website. The Jordanian authorities have taken precautionary measures including establishing a hotline for information about swine flu which you can contact on +962 79 903 6023. They have also designated 19 health institutions across the Kingdom to receive suspected cases, and have installed thermal scanning cameras at Queen Alia International Airport and border crossings to gauge the temperatures of people entering the country. Jordanian Ministry of Health guidelines state that those infected with A (H1N1) and suffering from respiratory disease will be admitted to hospital and receive anti viral treatment. Infected people in high risk categories, including children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with chronic diseases will be treated at home and only admitted to hospital if they develop complications. British nationals with confirmed A (H1N1) infection in Jordan should alert the British Embassy on 00962 6 5909200.

Avian influenza (bird flu)

On 24 March 2006, the Jordanian authorities confirmed an outbreak of avian influenza (bird fu) in domestic poultry near Ajloun in the north of Jordan. There have been no further outbreaks reported. No human infections or deaths have been confirmed.

The risk to humans from avian influenza is believed to be very low. 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.

You should read this advice in conjunction with avian and pandemic influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.