Syria

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• There are sporadic cases of malaria in the Malkieh (north-eastern Syria), from May to October. However, cases are due to the benign form of malaria, P. Vivax.
• Due to the presence of sandflies, there is a risk of leishmaniosis. Protect yourself from insects to avoid bites.
• Protect yourself from sun and heat to avoid burns and sunstrokes.
• There are cases of animal rabies in the country.
• Diarrheic diseases are very 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

• 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

• Sanitary conditions are usually satisfying. Doctors, who have often been trained abroad, are excellent, but medical infrastructures are under-equipped.



Damascus
• Dr. Shami Hospital, Malki West Park: phone + 963 11 373 4931, fax + 936 11 373 2316
• New Medical Center, Misat sq., Bernia Street: phone + 963 11 331 0600, fax + 963 11 276 1782
• Italian Hospital, Salhia Street: phone + 963 11 332 9402, fax + 963 11 332 6032
• French Hospital: phone + 963 444 0460/0461

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Firemen: 113
• Police: 112
• Ambulances: 110

CLIMATE

• Climate is desertic in Central Syria, mediterranean on the coast and mountainous in the north-east.
• Summers are dry and hot (30°C) on the coast, winters are mild but rainy.
• In the desertic area, climate is dry and very hot (40°C) during the summer, with little rain. Winters are cool; temperatures can be as low as 3°C at night.
• When to go: in April, May, September or October.