Mongoliax

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• From a general point of view, sanitary conditions are poor.
• Mongolia has been hit by the avian epizootic in July and August 2005 (Khovsgol and Boulgan provinces) but no case has been reported since August 2005.
• Several thousands of children have been hit by the EV71 outbreak ("foot-hand-mouth disease") since May 2008. The whole territory is concerned by the outbreak.
• Tuberculosis and hepatitis B are frequent in the country.
• Brucellosis and foot-and-mouth disease are endemic.
• Cases of rabies are regularly reported.
• There are occasional epidemics of meningitis and cholera.
• 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.
• Do not drink tap water and favor bottled mineral water.
• Avoid 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 carefully before each meal.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND MEDICATION

• No specific immunization is required from travelers 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.
• 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

Ulan-Bator
• Public hospital #1: phone + 976 11 326 964, fax + 976 11 323 857
• Public hospital #2: phone / fax + 976 11 457 581
• Public hospital #3: phone / fax + 976 11 687 886

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Firemen: 101
• Police: 102
• Ambulances: 103

CLIMATE

• The climate is dry and sunny with important temperature gaps within a same day, whatever the season.
• Sandstorms may occur in the spring.
• In summertime, temperatures are mild in the north of the country, and hot, sometimes blistering, in the south (Gobi). Rainfalls occur mainly in summertime.
• In autumn, temperatures become icy very quickly, with occasional snowfalls in September.
• Winters are harsh (-30 to -40°C) with little snow.
• When to go: July or August.