1. A yellow
fever certificate is necessary from travellers over 1 year
of age arriving from infected areas.
2. Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera
vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry into Tunisia.
However, erratic cases of cholera do occur in this region and up-to-date
advice should be sought before choosing whether these precautions
should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its
effectiveness.
3. A vaccination against typhoid is advised.
Food & drink
Mains water is normally chlorinated, and whilst safe it could cause
mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available
and is recommended for the first few weeks of any stay. The drinking
water outside of the main cities and towns may be contaminated.
Milk should be boiled when unpasteurised (if not
commercially packed and processed). Powdered or tinned milk is available
and is recommended but make sure that it is made with pure water.
Avoid any dairy products which are expected to
have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked fish
and meat, preferably served very hot. Salad and mayonnaise
may carry a risk. Vegetables should be cooked and the fruit should
be peeled. These precautions should include any western-style buffets.
Other risks
Dysenteries
and diarrhoeal diseases are common in Tunisia.
Hepatitis A is present and hepatitis
E is endemic in some areas and precautions should be taken.
Lassa fever occurs in the rural areas. Mediterranean
spotted fever has been reported and Tungiasis
is present.
Rabies is present and for those at high risk, vaccination
before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, please seek
medical advice immediately.
Healthcare
Health insurance is recommended
in Tunisia. The country has a well-developed, if somewhat limited,
public health service, there are a few private 'polyclinics' available
in the bigger towns, which function as hospitals and provide a range
of procedures. Some of the doctors and hospitals expect immediate
cash payments before any treatment.
