A

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from infected areas.

B

A vaccination against Typhoid is sensible and advised.

C

There is a limited malaria risk, mainly in the malignant falciparum form, exists throughout the year in the whole country except at the high altitude areas of Asir Province, and in certain rural areas of the Western Province.

There is not a risk in Mecca or Medina. Resistance to chloroquine has been accounted. The recommended prophylaxis is chloroquine plus proguanil. Cerebral Malaria has also occurred, but exclusively in the Jizan region.

Health care

Medical facilities are mainly of a high standard, however treatment is expensive. Health insurance is vital.

Food and Drink

All water should be considered possibly contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have 1st been boiled or otherwise sterilised.

Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled before drinking. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, however make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are expected to have been made from un boiled milk.

Only eat well cooked fish and meat, preferably served hot. Salad and mayonnaise could carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit should be peeled.

Other risks

Bilharzia (or schistosomiasis) is present. Please avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water, swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe enough.

Hepatitis A is common and hepatitis B is widespread. Visceral leishmaniasis occurs in the south west of Saudi Arabia. Cases of Rift Valley Fever have been accounted, mostly in the Jizan area.

Rabies is present, and for those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, please seek medical advice without delay.