Oman

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• There are sporadic cases of malaria, mainly outside Mascate and in the Musandam province. Cases are usually imported and no chemoprophylaxy is needed.
• Venomous species are numerous in the wadis, in mountainous areas and in the desert (snakes, scorpions) as well as in the sea (sea snakes, jellyfish...). Take preventive measures: wear high shoes if you go trekking and plastic shoes to go swimming.
• Protect yourself thoroughly from heat and sun to avoid sunstrokes or burns.
• Tuberculosis is frequent in the country.
• There are cases of animal rabies in the country.

FOOD SAFETY

• Tap water is drinkable in cities and in places usually visited by tourists.
• However, favor local mineral water or filtered tap water whenever possible.
• There is no specific food risk, since hygiene conditions are usually satisfying.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND MEDICATION

• Travellers entering the country from an endemic area are required to present a certificate of immunization against yellow fever.
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

Muscat
• The Royal Hospital, Ministry of Health, PO Box 1331: phone + 968 24 592 888, fax + 968 24 594 460
• Muscat Private Hospital, P0 Box 79, Bausher Street, Al-Khuwair: phone + 968 24 592 600, fax + 968 24 596 025
• Khoula Hospital: phone + 968 24 563 625
• University Hospital: phone + 968 24 413 355
• Al Nahdah Hospital: phone + 968 24 837 800
• Al Bashayer Specialised Medical Center, PO Box 304, Mina Al Fahal: phone + 968 24 699 905, fax + 968 24 699 904
• Al Massaraat Clinic & Laboratory, Way No. 661, House 5700, Qurum, Jibro: phone + 968 24 566 435, fax + 968 24 566 436
• Hatat House Polyclinic, PO Box 1475, Ruwi: phone + 968 24 563 641, fax + 968 24 564 990
• Gulf Medical Centre (behind Sabco center), PO Box 471, Mina Al Fahal: phone + 968 24 564 639, fax + 968 24 565 667
• Al Shatti Hospital, PO Box 956, Al Khuwair: phone + 968 24 604 263, fax + 968 24 604 265

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Firemen / police / ambulances: 999

CLIMATE

• The climate is mediterranean in northern and eastern Oman, tropical in the south and desertic in the center.
• Summer lasts from March to October, and winter from November to February. Temperatures are higher between October and April (on average 30°C).
• In the tropical zone, a small monsoon brings some rain from June to September. Humidity is high everywhere in the country, even if rainfalls are not important, except in the desert where the amplitude of temperatures is low between day and night, contrary to most deserts.
• When to go: between October and April.