Russia

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• A few cases of imported malaria have been reported in Moscow.
• Since January 2007, 16 cases of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever have been reported in the area of Stavropol; cases have also been reported in the areas of Rostov et Astrakhan.
• Russia has been affected by the avian flu epizootic, yet no case of human transmission has been observed.
• Tuberculosis is frequent in the country.
• 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.
• Do not drink tap water and favor bottled mineral water, without ice ; 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 thoroughly 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.
• Tick-borne encephalitis: for stays in rural areas or for hikers. The immunization is available for children at least one year old.
• 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

Moscow
• European Medical Center (EMC), Spiridonovski Pereoulok 5/1: phone + 7 495 933 66 55, fax + 7 495 933 6650



Saint Petersburg
• American Medical Clinic, 78 Moika Embankment: phone + 7 812 740 2090, fax + 7 812 310 4664

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Firemen: 01
• Police: 02
• Ambulances: 03

CLIMATE

• The climate is continental. In western Russia, winters are long and very harsh, summers stormy, mild (17°C) and short (June to August).
• In the area of Moscow, wide gaps of temperatures may occur between two days.
• In eastern Russia, winter lasts from October to May, and summers are short and often cool.
• In April, the whole country is muddy because of the thaw.
• When to go: between June and August.