Risk / Health Info for Egypt

What immunizations should I get for Egypt

The vaccines you need for Egypt are listed on this page. Before you leave for Egypt, consult our advisers about making sure your shots are up to date. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are recommended, especially as they are spread by unsafe water and food. Avoid “traveller’s diarrhea”: practise good food and water precautions: use only commercially bottled or sterilized water, and do not eat food that has not been boiled or cooked or that you have not peeled.

Which travellers need a hepatitis B vaccine?

Consider a hepatitis B vaccination before travelling to Egypt if you are a healthcare worker or plan to have a surgical procedure, tattoo or piercing in Egypt. Hep B is spread by contact with blood and body fluid, so children can catch it through cuts and grazes. It is also spread by unprotected sex or by unsterilized needles.

Can I catch rabies in Egypt?

It is possible to get rabies in Egypt if an infected animal bites or licks you. Make sure your shot is up to date, especially if you will spend time in remote areas or work with animals. Always get immediate medical attention if you are bitten or scratched by an animal during your time in Egypt, even if you have been vaccinated so that a healthcare professional can decide whether to recommend post-exposure rabies prophylaxis.

What are the healthcare facilities like in Egypt?

Some of the medical facilities in tourist resorts are of questionable quality and it is recommended you get local advice before attending. Psychiatric care may not be available outside major cities. It is highly recommended that you purchase travel health insurance before you leave Canada for Egypt because provincial or territorial health plans may not cover medical costs while you are outside the country. Contact your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

The emergency number in Egypt is 123.

Other health information for Egypt

Egypt’s desert climate means that it may be challenging to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and replace your salts.

There have been a few cases of avian flu in Egypt. These occur mainly in rural areas. The risk to humans is very low and you can further reduce your risk of contracting bird flu by avoiding contact with wild or domestic birds.

Travellers to Egypt are at risk of several mosquito-borne illnesses, including malaria and dengue. Practise mosquito avoidance with a reliable insect repellent and by covering up as much as possible. Sleep under a net if practical.

Altitude in Egypt

Parts of Egypt are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Schistosomiasis in Egypt

The schistosomiasis parasite enters humans through the skin during contact with fresh water. To prevent infection, avoid swimming or paddling in lakes and streams in Egypt. This condition is also known as bilharzia.

Dengue fever in Egypt

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Egypt. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Malaria in Egypt

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Egypt at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.