World Country Guide

1
Typhoid fever is common. Poliomyelitis eradication activities are underway but the disease should still be assumed to be a threat.

2
There is some risk of malaria from June to October in some villages in the Ararat Valley. No risk in main tourist areas.

Food & drink
All water should be regarded as being a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products should be safe for consumption, however, the incidence of communicable diseases among livestock is increasing because of a breakdown in vaccination programmes.

Other risks
Diphtheria, hepatitis B and E, tick-borne encephalitis, brucellosis, echinococcosis and leishmaniasis (cutaneous) may all occur. Visitors are advised to take precautions which may include vaccination.
There may be a risk of rabies although there has been no reported incidence in animals or humans since 1997. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information consult the Health appendix.

Health care
A reciprocal agreement for urgent medical treatment exists with the UK, although proof of UK residence is required. Power shortages and disrupted medical supplies have undermined normal health services to such a degree that travellers would be well advised to consider a health insurance policy guaranteeing emergency evacuation in case of serious accident or illness, as medical insurance is not often valid within the country. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Travellers are also advised to take a supply of those medicines that they are likely to require (but check first that they may be legally imported) as there is a severe shortage of even the most basic medical supplies, such as disposable needles, anaesthetics and antibiotics. Elderly travellers and those with existing health problems may be at risk owing to inadequate medical facilities.