Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HIV
This 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 be spread through 'blood
to blood' contacts such as contaminated instruments during medical and dental proced-
ures, acupuncture, body-piercing and sharing used intravenous needles.
Reliable figures aren't available about the number of people in Jordan with HIV or
AIDS, but given the strict taboos in Jordanian society about drugs, homosexuality and
promiscuity, the disease is relatively rare. Contracting HIV through a blood transfusion is
about as unlikely as in most Western countries, and anyone needing serious surgery will
probably be sent home anyway.
You may need to supply a negative HIV test in order to get a second visa extension for
a stay of longer than three months.
Polio
Generally spread through either contaminated food or water, polio is one of the vaccines
given in childhood and should be boosted every 10 years, either orally (a drop on the
tongue), or as an injection. Polio may be carried asymptomatically, although it can cause a
transient fever and, in rare cases, potentially permanent muscle weakness or paralysis.
Polio is not currently present in Jordan but is prevalent in neighbouring countries.
Rabies
Spread through bites or licks on broken skin from an infected animal, rabies is fatal. An-
imal handlers should be vaccinated, as should those travelling to remote areas where a re-
liable source of post-bite vaccine is not available within 24 hours. Three injections are
needed over a month. If you've come into physical contact with an infected animal and
haven't been vaccinated you'll need a course of five injections starting within 24 hours or
as soon as possible after the injury. Vaccination does not provide you with immunity, it
merely buys you more time to seek appropriate medical help.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is spread through close respiratory contact and occasionally through in-
fected milk or milk products. BCG vaccine is recommended for those likely to be mixing
closely with the local population. It is more important for those visiting family or planning
on a long stay, and those employed as teachers and health-care workers. TB can be
asymptomatic, although symptoms can include cough, weight loss or fever, months or
even years after exposure. An X-ray is the best way to confirm if you have TB. BCG
gives a moderate degree of protection against TB. It causes a small permanent scar at the
