Saudi Arabia
Good quality care is available in the larger hospitals in the cities
Supplies of international medications are generally available from both the hospitals and private pharmacies in Saudi Arabia
Blood supplies are considered safe and screened to international standards
Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in several hospitals and health centers in Saudi Arabia.
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.
Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood, rare meat or dairy products. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors.
Swim only in well-maintained, chlorinated pools or ocean water known to be free from pollution; avoid freshwater lakes, streams and rivers. Wear clothing which reduces exposed skin and apply repellents containing DEET to remaining areas. Sleep in well-screened accommodations. Carry anti-diarrheal medication. Reduce problems related to sun exposure by using sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen lotions and lip protection.
AIDS occurs. Blood supply may not be adequately screened and/or single-use, disposable needles and syringes may be unavailable. When possible, travelers should defer medical treatment until reaching a facility where safety can be assured. (Reports indicate that the Saudis routinely test blood donations for AIDS.)
Dust is a year-round problem and an aggravation to allergy sufferers.
Snakes are seldom seen, but are occasionally found, along with scorpions.
Hepatitis A: Consider active immunization with hepatitis A vaccine or passive immunization with immune globulin (IG) for all susceptible travelers. Especially consider choosing active immunization for persons planning to reside for a long period or for persons who take frequent short-term trips to risk areas. The importance of protection against hepatitis A increases as length of stay increases. It is particularly important for persons who will be living in or visiting rural areas, eating or drinking in settings of poor or uncertain sanitation, or who will have close contact with local persons (especially young children) in settings with poor sanitary conditions.
Hepatitis B: Vaccination is advised for health care workers, persons anticipating direct contact with blood from or sexual contact with inhabitants, and persons planning extended stays of 6 months or greater (especially those who anticipate using local health care facilities, staying in rural areas, or having intimate contact with the local population).
Meningitis: Saudi authorities require that those who participate in an annual pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj or Umra) have a certificate of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis issued not more than 3 years and not less than 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia. The U.S. Department of State indicates that it is reasonable for travelers to Mecca, Medina or the Jeddah area during the Hajj period to consider immunization. Pregnancy is a relative contraindication to vaccination. Protection may be less effective for infants and children aged 3-23 months than it is for persons aged 2 years and older.
Polio: A one-time booster dose is recommended for travelers who have previously completed a standard course of polio immunization. Refer to CDC guidelines for vaccinating unimmunized or incompletely immunized persons. Pregnancy is a relative contraindication to vaccination; however, if protection is needed, either IPV or OPV may be used, depending on preference and time available.
Rabies: Preexposure vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 30 days who are expected to be at risk to bites from domestic and/or wild animals (particularly dogs), or for persons engaged in high risk activities such as spelunking or animal handling. Need for vaccination is more important if potential exposure is in rural areas and if adequate postexposure care is not readily available.
Typhoid: Vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 3 weeks, adventurous eaters, and those who will venture off the usual tourist routes into small cities, villages and rural areas. Importance of vaccination increases as access to reasonable medical care becomes limited. Contraindications depend on vaccine type.
Note: 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.
Insect-borne illness: these do not generally pose widespread hazards to the traveler.
Leishmaniasis (cutaneous) - occurs
Leishmaniasis (visceral) - occurs
Malaria - occurs
Tick-borne relapsing fever - occurs
Typhus (including murine and tick-borne) - occurs
Food-borne and water-borne illness: pose a major hazard in most areas.
Brucellosis - prevalent
Cholera - occurs
Dracunculiasis - occurs
Echinococcosis (hydatid disease) - occurs
Hepatitis - common
Schistosomiasis - occurs
Taeniasis - occurs
Typhoid fever - common
Other hazards:
Diseases such as measles and diphtheria are commonly reported. Polio is still considered a possible risk, although cases have rarely been reported in recent years.
Influenza risk extends from November to April north of the Tropic of Cancer and throughout the year south of that.
Meningococcal meningitis - occurs (meningococcal vaccine is recommended for persons undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage).
Trachoma and animal rabies may be problems.
AIDS: According to the Department of State, testing is required for applicants for residency/work permits only. Contact Saudi Arabia's embassy for details.
Cholera: None. (According to the Saudi Embassy, pilgrims applying for visas for the Hajj are required to provide proof of a cholera vaccination. This requirement is in excess of what the Saudi government has reported to WHO; however, there is every indication that it is a legitimate requirement with which pilgrims participating in the Hajj should comply. Persons visiting Saudi Arabia for other purposes are not affected by this requirement.)
Identification: All pilgrims are required to carry an identity card, together with a wristband containing personal identification data, nationality and the name of the guide in charge of the rites he performs. In addition, information regarding any special medical condition, e.g., diabetes, epilepsy, allergies, high/low blood pressure, should also be included in case of emergency.
Meningitis: Those who participate in an annual pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj or Umra) are required to produce a certificate of vaccination against meningococcal meningitis issued not more than 3 years and not less than 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia.
Yellow fever: All travelers arriving from a country, any part of which is infected with yellow fever, are required to produce a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate.
