The recent tragedy in the Red Sea in which a tourist yacht launched from the coast of Egypt sank with the suspected loss of multiple lives may raise some questions about the safety of holidaying in the country, but those planning a visit to the Middle East and North Africa region should be primarily concerned with their medical requirements first.
The boat tragedy was actually a rare event in a busy tourism area, whereas there are much greater risks for those who visit the region, which stretches across North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
The climate may be arid and largely desert, but there are places where it is not, especially in the Nile valley and surprisingly lush oases, not to mention upland areas like the Atlas mountains, where winters bring plenty of snow at high levels.
This means that, while it may be different from the tropical environment of sub-Saharan Africa, some common threats remain. Our travel health services can assist with these.
For example, in Egypt, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office warns travellers to be aware of Dengue fever and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever. These are mosquito-borne diseases, so wetland areas around the Nile will be prone to these, whereas dry desert areas will not.
As ever, prevention is better than cure, so acquiring insect repellent from our pharmacy is a good start for visiting such areas, as is pale clothing that covers your arms and legs, especially at night.
The one vaccination you will definitely need is for yellow fever, as certification is required as a condition of entry. Hepatitis A and tetanus are recommended for all visitors, while some visitors may need Hepatitis B, including long-stay visitors, those participating in contact sports and those whose lifestyles involve some risks, such as unprotected sexual contact.
Other jabs needed by only some people include rabies, for those such as vets coming into contact with animals on a regular basis.
There are similar requirements for visiting some other North African countries. Once again, watercourses still produce biting insect risks in countries across the region, such as Morocco, where Dengue and Malaria occur. However, Morocco is a country with no yellow fever certification.
Saudi Arabia is a country a lot of Britons will travel to, especially Muslims visiting Mecca for the Hajj pilgrimage. Official advice does warn travellers about the danger of infectious disease spreading fast during the Hajj and in Ramadan.
For general travellers, tetanus is recommended, but there is no yellow fever requirement. However, Hajj pilgrims face stricter requirements to prevent disease spreading. The 2024 vaccine requirements include yellow fever, polio and meningococcal meningitis.
The Middle East and North Africa is a region that has its notable trouble spots, as the nightly news shows, as well as events such as the Red Sea boat incident. But for the most part, it is a fascinating place to see, one with rich culture, history and heritage, as well as being a place of deep personal spiritual significance for some.
However you plan to spend your visit, the important thing is to make sure you are as safe as you can be by taking all the necessary and required medical precautions.