Southwest Asia

Turkey

Turkey is a moderately developed nation with a wide range of tourist facilities of all classes in the main tourist destinations.

CRIME: Street crime is not a major concern in Turkey, although it is increasing in large urban centers such as Istanbul and Izmir.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Turkish hospitals vary greatly. The new, private hospitals in Ankara and Istanbul have the most modern facilities and equipment, but still may be unable to treat certain serious conditions. The State Department recommends medical evacuation for its personnel who will be giving birth. Those planning to remain in Turkey should consider bringing a 6-month supply of necessary chronic medications (e.g., heart medications, birth control pills). Not all diagnostic testing (including mammograms) is up to western standards.

Arthropodborne diseases: principally not a problem

• Malaria may occur from may to october in south-east and in Amikova and Cukorov, but not in the tourist areas
• Leishmaniasis in Anatolia

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

Waterborne 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.

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.
• Malaria prophylaxis is recommended in risk areas form may to october, use chloroquine and proguanil (chloroquine resistance)

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