The preventive measures you need to take while traveling in the Middle East depend on the areas you visit and the length of time you stay. You should observe the precautions listed in this document in most areas of this region. However, in highly developed areas of Israel , you should observe health precautions similar to those that would apply while traveling in the United States. Travelers' diarrhea , the number one illness in travelers, can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which 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.
A low risk for malaria exists in parts of Iran, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into certain of these countries, but only if you are coming from a country in tropical South America or subSaharan Africa. Dengue, filariasis, leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis, and plague are diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region, but the risk to travelers is low. Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation. Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting developing countries in this region.