Africa Health Information for Travelers to North Africa Algeria, Canary Islands, Egypt, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Morocco, Tunisia Food and waterborne diseases are the number one cause of illness in travelers. Travelers' diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which are found throughout the region and can contaminate food or water. Make sure your food and drinking water are safe.
Malaria is a preventable infection that can be fatal if left untreated.
Most travelers to malaria risk areas in this region should take chloroquine to prevent malaria. There is no risk for travelers visiting the major tourist areas in North Africa, including Nile cruises. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination may required for entry into certain of these countries if you are coming from a country in tropical South America or subSaharan Africa. Filariasis, leishmaniasis, and onchocerciasis are diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region, but the risk to travelers is low. Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection, is found in fresh water in the region, including the Nile River.