Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
IN THE ARABIAN PENINSULA
Availability & Cost of Health Care
Though some Peninsula countries allow travellers access to free state medical treatment in emergencies, you should not
rely on this and are strongly advised to have insurance cover. The availability of healthcare in Arabia can be summarised
thus:
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High ratio of doctors to patients (bar Yemen).
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Modern, well-equipped hospitals with well-qualified, English-speaking staff in all cities and most of the larger towns
throughout the Peninsula.
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Emergency units in most hospitals.
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Limited and less well-equipped clinics in rural areas.
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Pharmacies (signposted with green crosses) able to dispense advice by well-trained, English-speaking staff who may as-
sist in place of doctors in very remote areas.
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High standards of dental care in the larger towns and cities (though patchy in Yemen).
Infectious Diseases
Dengue Fever
Also known as break-bone fever, dengue is spread through mosquito bites. It causes a feverish illness, with a headache
and muscle pains, that's like a bad, prolonged attack of influenza. There may also be a rash. Take precautions to avoid be-
ing bitten by mosquitoes.
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is spread through close respiratory contact. It causes a high temperature and a severe sore throat. Sometimes a
membrane forms across the throat, requiring a tracheostomy to prevent suffocation.
Vaccination is recommended for those likely to be in close contact with the local population in infected areas. The vac-
cine is given as an injection by itself, or with tetanus, and lasts 10 years.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food (particularly shellfish) and water. It causes jaundice and, although it is
rarely fatal, can cause prolonged lethargy and delayed recovery. Symptoms include dark urine, a yellow colour to the
whites of the eyes, fever and abdominal pain.
Hepatitis A vaccine (Avaxim, VAQTA, Havrix) is given as an injection; a single dose will give protection for up to a
year, while a booster 12 months later will provide protection for a subsequent period of 10 years. Hepatitis A and typhoid
vaccines can also be given as a single dose vaccine in the form of Hepatyrix or Viatim.
