North Africa

Morocco

Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with a parliament and an independent judiciary. Ultimate authority rests with the King. The capital is Rabat. Morocco has a mixed economy based largely on agriculture, fishing, light industry, phosphate mining, tourism, and remittances from citizens working abroad. Modern tourist facilities and means of transportation are widely available, but may vary in quality depending on price and location.

CRIME: Morocco has a high crime rate in urban areas. Criminals have targeted tourists for robberies, assaults, muggings, thefts, purse snatching, pick-pocketing, and scams of all types. Most of the petty crime occurs in the medina/market areas, parks and beaches. Commonly reported crimes include falsifying credit-card vouchers, and shipping inferior rugs as a substitute for the rugs purchased by the traveler.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Adequate medical care in Morocco is available, particularly in Rabat and Casablanca, although not all facilities meet high quality standards, and specialized care or treatment may not be available. Medical facilities are adequate for non-emergency matters, particularly in the urban areas, but the medical staff will probably not be able to communicate in English. Travelers planning to drive in the mountains and other remote areas may wish to carry a medical kit and a Moroccan phone card for emergencies. In the event of car accidents involving injuries, immediate ambulance service usually is not available.

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

• Filariasis
• Leishamaniasis
• Malaria
• 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:

• Hepatitis B
• Schistosomiasis (Bilharziasis )

Vaccination recommendation:

• Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin
• Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
• Yellow fever - when 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 prophylaxis is not recommended as risk is minimal

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Updated 01-May-2003 • İtraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster

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