Always remember to check the expiration dates on all medications, whether they are from home or abroad. Safety Information Travelers Diarrhea. 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.
Prevent infection by taking prescription antimalarial drugs and protecting yourself against mosquito bites. 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 sub-Saharan Africa. Filariasis, leishmaniasis, and onchocerciasis are diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region.