Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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»Avoid tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected (iodine
tablets).
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»Beware of ice cream that may have melted and then been refrozen (eg a power cut in
the last day or two).
»
»Be careful of shellfish such as mussels, oysters and clams, particularly outside of
Aqaba, as well as the raw-meat dishes available in Lebanese restaurants.
»
»Eat meals only at busy restaurants and be cautious of buffets that may have been stand-
ing for more than a day.
Infectious Diseases
Diphtheria & Tetanus
Diphtheria is spread through close respiratory contact. It causes a high temperature and
severe sore throat. Sometimes a membrane forms across the throat requiring a tracheo-
stomy to prevent suffocation. Vaccination is recommended for those likely to be in close
contact with the local population in infected areas. The vaccine is given as an injection
alone, or with tetanus (you may well have had this combined injection as a child), 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 injec-
tion; hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines can also be given as a single-dose vaccine,
hepatyrix or viatim.
Hepatitis B
Infected blood, contaminated needles and sexual intercourse can all transmit hepatitis B. It
can cause jaundice, and affects 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 US Center for Disease Control says the level
of hepatitis B is high in Jordan. The vaccine is given singly, or at the same time as the
hepatitis A vaccine (hepatyrix). A course will give protection for at least five years. It can
be given over four weeks, or six months.
