Southwest Asia

Lebanon

The Republic of Lebanon is a parliamentary republic. The country is still dealing with the economic challenge of recovery from its long civil war. The political situation is stable, with political power concentrated in the office of the President, Prime Minister and Speaker of Parliament, each representing one of Lebanon's three largest religious sects (Maronite Christians, Sunni, and Shi'a Muslims). Although the government of Lebanon has made efforts to extend its authority since the end of the civil war in 1990, it has not done so uniformly throughout the country. There are about 20,000 Syrian troops in the country, and Syria retains significant influence in the Lebanese political arena, especially in foreign policy. Since 1973, Lebanon has been in a state of war with Israel. Israeli troops occupied much of south Lebanon from 1978-2000. Lebanon participated in Madrid peace talks with Israel that began in 1991, and remains committed to the goal of a comprehensive Middle East peace based on UN Security Council resolutions.

CRIME : While the crime rate in Lebanon is moderate, both car thefts and house break-ins occur.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: In Beirut and the surrounding areas modern medical care and medicines are widely available. Such facilities are not always available in outlying areas. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for services and may deny service even in emergency cases.

Water- and foodborne diseases:

• Hepatitis A
• Brucellosis
• Typhoid fever

Other diseases:

• Hepatitis B

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.
  

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Updated 19-Jul-2003 • İtraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster

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