North Africa

Algeria

Algeria is a republic with a developing economy. Facilities for travellers are widely available, but sometimes limited in quality.

Crime: The crime rate in Algeria is moderately high and increasing. Serious crimes have been reported in which armed men posing as police officers have entered homes of occupants, and robbed them at gunpoint.

Medical Facilities: Hospitals and clinics in Algeria are available, but of uneven quality, and are not up to Western standards.

In general arthropodborne diseases are not a problem. In some areas the following diseases can occur:

• Filariasis
• Malaria
• Leishamaniasis
• Relapsing fever
• Rift Valley fever
• Epidemic typhus
• West Nile fever

Water- or foodborne diseases:

• Amoebiasis
• Diarrhoae
• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid fever
• Brucellosis
• Giardiasis
• Echinococcosis (sporadic)
• Cholera (sporadic)

Other diseases:

• Schistosomiasis (Bilharziasis ) expecially near the river Nile

Vaccination recommendation:

• Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin
• Hepatitis B or Immune Globulins
• Yellow fever - entering from an endemic region
• Typhoid fever - if staying in remote areas
• Rabies - if risk for contact with animals
• A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within the last 10 years.

Prevent illness by:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Drink only water from cans or boiled water
• Avoid using ice or drinking untreated water
• Wash and/or peel all raw vegetables and fruits before eating.
• Use uncontaminated water to wash all food that is to be eaten raw.
• Avoid eating uncooked foods - Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it;
• Avoid swimming in fresh water
• Traffic accidents are the most common cause of injuries so be careful
• Avoid travelling at night and use safety belts when available
• To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot.
• Use latex condoms for protection against sexually transmitted diseases
• Malaria risk is restricted to Sahara why prophylactic is not recommended.

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