Middle East and North Africa

Emergency medical treatment is excellent but can be expensive.  Routine treatment is available but expensive for visitors.

A small number of cases of meningitis have recently been reported in Doha. The incidence of meningitis is low and within in accepted medical norms. Advice received from the Qatar National Health Authority is that there is no cause for alarm or the need to take special precautions against the disease.

 

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 Qatar 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.

A (H1N1) – Swine Flu
There have been confirmed human cases of A (H1N1) – Swine Flu in Qatar (source: Qatar Ministry of Health).  Screening of passengers, including those in transit, is being undertaken at Doha International Airport. Travellers with flu-like symptoms are assessed at the airport and may be transferred to a nearby hospital for any appropriate treatment required.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Pandemic Threat Alert Phase has been raised to Level 6. The WHO website at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html 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 obtained on the UK Department of Health website at: www.dh.gov.uk.

 

For more general health information see Travel Health.