Croatia

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• There are serious risks linked to the Danube tick-borne encephalitis. In case of a tick bite, it is compulsory to follow an antibiotics treatment.
• During the winter 2005-2006, Croatia was affected by the avian flu epizootic, as most other countries of the zone.
• There are cases of animal rabies in the country.
• Diarrheic diseases are common.

FOOD SAFETY

• Gastric diseases are common among tourists who are not accustomed to local food or who do not take precautions.
• Tap water is drinkable but it is recommended to drink bottled water whenever possible.
• void eating ice cream and sherbet.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked dishes, especially meat or fish. If possible, order hot dishes.
• Bring anti-diarrhea medication with you.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before each meal.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND MEDICATION

• No immunization is required when entering the country.
Systematically:
• Hepatitis A: the vaccination is available for children at least one year old. For persons who were born before 1945, who have spent their childhood in a developing country or who have had an icterus, it may prove useful to search previously for serous antibodies in order to avoid an unnecessary shot.
• Hepatitis B: the vaccination is available for children at least two months old.
• Diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis: get a booster shot before leaving if your last shot is more than ten years old.



Depending on the duration and conditions of the trip:
• Typhoid fever: if the stay is occurring in precarious hygiene condition. The immunization is available for children at least 2 years old.
• Tick-borne encephalitis: for stays in rural areas or for hikers. The immunization is available for children at least one year old.
• Rabies: recommended for long stays in isolation. The immunization should be given to children as soon as they are able to walk.
• Tuberculosis: in case of a long stay, it is recommended to have children immunized against tuberculosis as soon as they reach the age of one month, and against mumps, measles and rubella when they reach the age of nine months.

HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURES

Zagreb
• Merkur Hospital (« Klinicka Bolnica Merkur), Zajceva 19: phone + 385 1 243 1390
• Vinogradska Hospital (« Klinicka Bolnica Sestre Milosdnice »), Vinogradska cesta 29: phone + 385 1 378 7111
• Traumatology Hospital (« Klinika za traumatologiju »), Draskoviceva 19: phone + 385 1 461 0011
• Rebro Hospital (« Klinicki bolnicki Centar Rebro »), Kispaticeva 12: phone + 385 1 238 8888 (cardiology, ophtalmology, pediatrics, psychiatry - no gynecology or ear-nose-throat)
• Dubrava Hospital (« Klinicka Bolnica Dubrava »), Avenija Gojka Suska 6: phone + 43385 1 290 2444 (all specialties but pediatrics and dental)



Outside Zagreb
• Dubrovnik: phone + 385 20 431 777
• Split - Clinical Hospital Split, Spinciceva 1: phone + 385 21 556 111, fax + 385 21 365 738
• Zadar - Zadar General Hospital, Opvca Bolnica Zadar, Boze Pericica 5: phone + 385 23 315 677, fax + 385 23 312 724
• Rijeka: phone + 385 51 658 111
• Osjek - Klinicka Bolnica Osijek, J. Huttlera 4: phone + 385 31 511 511, fax + 385 511 221

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Firemen: 92
• Police: 93
• Emergency medical care: 94
• Emergencies (European number): 112

CLIMATE

• In inland Croatia, winters are cold with important snowfalls, and summers are very warm.
• On the coast, the climate is mediterranean. Winters are mild, summers are hot and dry with numerous thunderstorms at night.
• The sea temperature varies between 21 and 25°C between June and September.
• When to go: in May, June or September.