Health Tips

Water

Natural water supplies in Oman are not abundant, and much of the water is desalinated and/or recycled. Tap water is hard and although fit for human consumption, may lead to bad health over a period of time. It is advisable to drink bottled mineral water, available in all shops and supermarkets.

Sun and Heat

With the fabulous weather in Oman it lends itself to the outdoors and therefore spending a lot of time in the sun.

Prevelant Diseases

Diarrhoea

Caused by the inflammation of the intestinal mucous membrane, mostly lasting 2-3 days, as a result of the consumption of ill prepared food or contaminated water. These can be easily combated through oral fluid replacement preparations available from the larger supermarkets in the country. If unavailable, water or 'cola' drinks are a suitable, if less effective option. The risk of dehydration is greatest in children, symptoms of which appear within 2 days.

Dysentery

Symptoms and causes are as per diarrhoea, except that stools are bloody and the patient feels generally unwell. The risk of contagion is very high, so care must be taken with sanitation and medical help must be sought immediately.

Malaria

Malaria is a disease passed on by the Anopheles mosquito. Symptoms are chills and recurrent fever.

Determine whether you'll be at risk for malaria and what preventive medicine you should take if you are. Limited malaria risk exists in remote areas of Musandam and Northern Batinah provinces though by and large Malaria doesn't exist in Oman, as sanitary conditions are very good. (There is also a slight risk of contracting Malaria particularly during and after wet periods, and around standing water).

Sand fly Fever

This is contracted from the bite of an infective sand fly. The risk is greatest during hours of darkness, from April to October, in villages and towns, and it tends to occur in localized epidemics.

Bilharzia

This occurs predominantly in Southern Oman and is an infection caused by blood flukes (a parasitic worm) of whom the principal host is man. These flukes are prevalent in freshwater lakes, ponds and reservoirs. Prevention is best afforded by avoidance of such areas, or by the chlorination of such water.

Rabies

Rabies is present in Oman, and due care should be taken when in contact with feral cats, dogs and foxes, particularly if the latter seem wild. Bites or scratches should be thoroughly cleansed and medical attention sought.

Yellow Fever

Although yellow fever does not occur in Oman, proof of appropriate vaccination (certificate) may be required depending on your itinerary or country of origin.

Vaccines

Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis B, or a one-time polio booster if you haven't previously received one for travel. Routine immunizations such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases should be reviewed and updated as needed.

Medical Conditions

If you suffer from a medical condition you should wear a medical alert tag. It would be a good idea to carry a list of important foreign words related to your condition.

If you have a condition requiring injections, bring your own supply of needles and syringes. Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medical needs. If injected medications are advised, ask if there is an oral formulation that you can take instead. If injections are necessary, insist on individually wrapped, disposable needles.

Emergency

In the case of any Medical Emergency, just click here for the relevant telephone numbers