Libya : Travel Health
WARNING! This information is out-dated and likely to be inaccurate!
TopResearching Travel Plans
Please note that this health information about Libya may be out-of-date. Always research the current health conditions and issues in any region you plan to visit prior to departure.
TopInfectious Diseases and Medical Concerns for Libya
The following medical diseases or health concerns are more common in travel to Libya (compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World):
Food and waterborne diseases - the number one cause of illness in travelers
travelers’ diarrhea
cholera
Escherichia coli diarrhea
hepatitis A
hepatitis B
hepatitis C
schistosomiasis - found in fresh water including Nile river
typhoid fever
Insect borne diseases
parasitic diseases
Dengue fever
filariasis
leishmaniasis
onchocerciasis
African trypanosomiasis - sleeping sickness
TopMore Common Diseases and Medical Concerns for Libya
The following health concerns or diseases are more commonly found in Libya compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World:
motor vehicle trauma - wear seatbelts and avoid night driving
TopUncommon or Rare Diseases and Medical Concerns for Libya
These medical diseases or health concerns are uncommon or rare in Libya:
yellow fever - no risk although vaccination certificate may be required if coming from an infected area
malaria - no current risk
TopVaccinations for Travel to Libya
The following medical vaccinations are desirable or helpful for travel to Libya to prevent contagious diseases in Libya:
hepatitis A - or immune globulin (IG)
hepatitis B - if risk of exposure to blood/bodily fluid or medical treatment or if your stay will be longer than 6 months, all infants and children 11-12 years who did not complete the series as infants
rabies - if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation
tetanus - booster dose as needed, diphtheria - booster dose as needed
measles - booster dose as needed
polio - one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults
typhoid
TopPreventions or Health Precautions for Travel to Libya
Any health risk of travel to Libya may be reduced by the following precautionary health measures when visiting Libya:
high rate of motor vehicle trauma - avoid night driving and wear seatbelts
mosquito bite prevention
insect bite protection
avoid drinking non-treated water - only drink bottled or canned water
eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself
to prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot
always use latex condoms - to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
don’t eat dairy products - unless you know they have been pasteurized
don’t eat food purchased from street vendors
don’t drink beverages with ice
don’t eat dairy products unless you know they have been pasteurized
don’t share needles with anyone
don’t handle animals (especially monkeys, dogs, and cats), to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague; risk for travelers is small)
don’t swim in fresh water, including the Nile. Salt water is usually safer