Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
IN MOROCCO
Availability & Cost of Health Care
Primary medical care is not always readily available outside major cities and towns. Your hotel may be able
to recommend the nearest source of medical help, and embassy websites sometimes list doctors and clinics. In
an emergency, contact your embassy or consulate.
Pharmacies These are generally well stocked, and pharmacists can provide advice (usually in French) cover-
ing common travellers' complaints. They can sell over-the-counter medication, often including drugs only
available on prescription at home, and advise when more specialised help is needed. Double-check any unfa-
miliar purchases; readers have reported receiving incorrect and potentially dangerous medication for their
conditions.
Doctors and clinics If you are being treated by a doctor or at a clinic, particularly outside the major cities,
you will often be expected to purchase medical supplies on the spot - even including sterile dressings or in-
travenous fluids.
Dental care Standards are variable - Marrakshi street dentists around the Djemaa el-Fna aren't recommen-
ded! Travel insurance doesn't usually cover dental work other than emergency treatment.
Infectious Diseases
Hepatitis A
Spreads Through contaminated food (particularly shellfish) and water.
Symptoms and effects Jaundice, dark urine, a yellow colour to the whites of the eyes, fever and abdominal
pain. Although rarely fatal, it can cause prolonged lethargy and delayed recovery.
Prevention Vaccine (Avaxim, VAQTA, Havrix) is given as an injection, with a booster extending the protec-
tion offered. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines can also be given as a combined single-dose vaccine (hepatyrix
or viatim).
Hepatitis B
Spreads Through infected blood, contaminated needles and sexual intercourse.
Symptoms and effects Jaundice and liver problems (occasionally failure).
Prevention Travellers should make this a routine vaccination, although Morocco gives hepatitis B vaccina-
tion as part of routine childhood vaccination. It is given singly, or at the same time as hepatitis A.
 
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