Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hepatitis B
Infected blood, contaminated needles and sexual intercourse can all transmit hepatitis B. It can cause jaundice and af-
fects the liver, occasionally causing liver failure. All travellers should make this a routine vaccination - many countries
now give hepatitis B vaccination as part of routine childhood vaccination.
The vaccine is given by itself, or at the same time as the hepatitis A vaccine. A course protects for at least five years,
and can be given over four weeks or six months.
HIV
HIV is spread via infected blood and blood products, sexual intercourse with an infected partner, and from an infected
mother to her newborn child. It can also be spread through 'blood-to-blood' contacts such as contaminated instruments
used during medical, dental, acupuncture and other body-piercing procedures, as well as from sharing intravenous
needles.
All countries in the Peninsula require a negative HIV test as a requirement for some categories of visas except
Bahrain and Yemen.
AIDS ON THE PENINSULA
Though it's strictly illegal for AIDS or HIV sufferers either to visit or to live on the Peninsula (and detection of
the disease usually results in instant deportation), the region is not the AIDS-free place you might imagine. In re-
cent years, prostitutes have flowed into the area under the guise of tourists. Locals have also returned infected
after sexual adventures abroad. Additionally, there is something of a cultural taboo about condom use among
many Arab men. Travellers who form new relationships should also note that fornication, adultery and homo-
sexuality are considered grave crimes in some Peninsula states.
Malaria
The prevalence of malaria varies throughout the Peninsula. The risk is considered minimal in most cities, but may be
more substantial in rural areas. Check with your doctor or local travel-health clinic for the latest information. Antimal-
arial tablets are essential if the risk is significant, and you should also be aware of the disease's symptoms.
Malaria almost always starts with marked shivering, fever and sweating. Muscle pains, headache and vomiting are
also common. Symptoms may occur any time from a few days up to three weeks or more after being bitten by an infec-
ted mosquito, and you may still show symptoms even though you are taking preventative tablets.
Meningitis
Meningococcal infection is spread through close respiratory contact.
A meningococcal vaccination certificate covering the A and W135 strains is required as a condition of entry if em-
barking on a hajj pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia, and for all travellers arriving from the meningitis
belt of sub-Saharan Africa. Visas for pilgrimages are not issued unless proof of vaccination is submitted with the visa
application.
Rabies
Spread through bites or licks (on broken skin) from any warm-blooded, furry animal, rabies can be fatal. The skin
should be immediately and thoroughly cleaned. If there is any possibility that the animal is infected with rabies, immedi-
