Southwest Asia

Iraq

Iraq's economy was seriously damaged in the 1991 Gulf War. The Iraqi government's spending and distribution priorities implemented under U.N. sanctions have also affected the economy, including increased crime and decreased availability of medical services. Tourist facilities are not widely available. Practically, they are limited to Baghdad and some major cities.

CRIME INFORMATION: Reports of crime in Iraq are increasing, especially in the larger cities. Thefts of money, jewelry, or valuable items left in hotels' rooms are common. There are cases of pick-pocketing in busy places like bazaars. It is not advisable to visit suburbs of big cities after dark or alone. Although travelling by private car to Iraq is unlikely, any involvement in a traffic accident could be very dangerous and costly (e.g. compensation.). There are reports of some unscrupulous taxi drivers. Avoid travelling alone by taxi with a large sum of money.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Basic modern medical care and medicines may not be available. Medical facilities do not meet U.S. standards due to Government of Iraq spending and distribution priorities, and they frequently lack medicines and supplies.

Arthropodborne diseases:

• Malaria may occur from May to November in the north below 1500 m ( Duhok, Erbil, Ninawa, Sulaimaniya and Ta'mim Provinces ) and Basrah Province
• Leishmaniasis

We recommend:

• Usage of long-sleeved shirt and long pants to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects
• Usage og insect repellent containing DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide), in 30%–35% strength for adults and 6%–10% for children. Unless you are staying in air-conditioned or well-screened housing
• Usage of a bed net impregnated with the insecticide permethrin.
• Staying and sleeping in air-conditioned houses

Water- and foodborne diseases:)

• Hepatitis A
• Schistomiasis (Bilharziasis )

Other diseases:

• Hepatitis B
• Rabies
• Trachoma

Vaccination recommended:

• Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin
• Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
• Typhoid fever - vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region
• Rabies - if risk for contact with wild or domestic animals
• A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within th last 10 years.
• Yellow fever when entering from a yellow fever endemic region

Stay healthy:

• Wash hands often with soap and water.
• Drink only boiled water, or water and carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans
• Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.
• Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it
• Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents (applied sparingly at 4-hour intervals) and permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn.
• Prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot
• Do not travel at night
• Trafic accidents are frequent, be careful
• Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
• Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.
• Use chloroquine as malaria prophylaxis in risk areas and risk periodes
  

To top Back to list of countries • Home

Updated 11-May-2003 • İtraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster

The contents within traveldoctoronline are presented only for informational purposes and cannot substitute for professional health care or any other medical treatment. All users of this website with health problems should be oblige always to consult their medical doctor before starting any treatment.