Potential malaria risk (exclusively in the benign vivax form) exists
from May to the end of October in the Çukorova/Amikova areas
and in southeast Adana, Anatolia and Antalya (Side). There is no
malaria threat in the main tourist areas in the west and southwest
of the country.
Food and Drink
Mains water is generally chlorinated in larger towns and cities,
but should not be assumed to have been so treated: if used for drinking
or making ice it should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised.
If a water source bears the words “içilmez”,
it means that it is not meant for drinking; sources labelled içilir,
içme suyu or içilebilir are safe to drink. Bottled
spring water is far and wide available. Milk is pasteurised. Eat
only well-cooked meat and fish, if possible served hot.
Other risks
Hepatitis
A, B and C are present.
Cutaneous
and visceral leishmaniasis, meningitis
and TB occur.
Rabies
is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should
be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
For more information, see the Health appendix.
Health
Care
Turkey has a large health sector. Many Turkish doctors and dentists
speak a foreign language, particularly at major hospitals. Private
health insurance is suggested; make sure that it covers Asiatic
as well as European Turkey.
