Iran Health Tips

1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers coming from infected areas.

2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Iran. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness; see the Health appendix for further information.

3: Immunisation against typhoid is advised.

4: Limited malaria risk exists from March to November in rural areas of the provinces of Sistan-Baluchestan, Hormozgan and Kerman (tropical part); in some areas north of the Zagros mountains and in western and southwestern regions during the summer months. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine has been reported in the malignant falciparum strain. The recommended prophylaxis is chloroquine in the vivax risk areas; chloroquine plus proguanil in the falciparum risk areas.

Food & drink: Mains water is normally chlorinated, and whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Pasteurised milk is available; unpasteurised milk should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks: Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present in southwestern Iran. Avoid swimming and paddling in stagnant water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Diarrhoeal diseases such as dysentery, giardiasis and typhoid fever are common. Tick-borne relapsing fever, cutaneaous leishmaniasis and hepatitis A and B occur. Trachoma is reported to be common.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Health care: Health facilities are limited in remote areas. Medical insurance is essential.