Belgium
A high standard of dental care is available in Belgium
Medication is available throughout Belgium
Blood supplies are considered safe and obtained from volunteer donors and is screened to international standards
Medical facilities are widely available and the large university hospitals can handle almost every medical problem. Hospitals in Brussels and Flemish-speaking Flanders will probably have English-speaking staff; however, hospitals in French-speaking Wallonia may not have staff members who are fluent in English. The Embassy’s Consular Section maintains a list of English-speaking doctors. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary.
The climate is sometimes uncomfortable for those with sinus conditions or respiratory ailments.
Heavy concentrations of salmonella bacteria caused health officials to warn against swimming in the Ourthe and Semois rivers in the Ardennes in 1989. Officials also warned children and the elderly against swimming along Belgium's polluted west coast. According to one official report, 75% of the waterways in northern Belgium are heavily polluted while some are biologically dead.
Hikers should take precautions against ticks.
All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.
Public health standards equal those in the United States. Brussels and Antwerp have modern sewage and refuse disposal systems and water purification facilities. Tap water is potable, and dairy, meat, and other food products are also safe. Epidemic diseases are rare and are treated efficiently by Belgian public health authorities.
The incidence of communicable diseases in most areas is such that they are unlikely to prove a hazard to the international traveler greater than that found in his own country. There are, of course, health risks, but in most areas the precautions required are minimal.
High levels of immunization coverage have reduced the incidence of diseases such as measles and diphtheria. Influenza risk extends from November to April.
Rabies is prevalent in wild animals, especially foxes, in rural areas. Lyme disease occurs.
None
