Turkmenistan

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• There are cases of malaria transmission (in its benign form P. Vivax) in the south-east of the country from June to October. It is recommended to take advice from health organisms or your family doctor regarding the recommended chemoprophylaxis.
• Cases of leishmaniosis are regularly observed.
• Cases of typhoid fever may occur; in July 2008, an outbreak occurred in the Lebap province, in the north-east. Cases have also been reported in Achgabat. A quarantine has been imposed in order to curb the propagation of the disease.
• In the desert, be careful not to get bitten by snakes or scorpions.
• 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.
• 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: 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

• Outside Achgabat, the health infrastructure is deficient. In case of a serious incident, a sanitary repatriation must be considered.
• Central Hospital, Mir 2/1 - International Business Center, Yunus Emre n° 1, Achgabat: phone + 993 45 03 03, fax + 993 45 03 31
• International Medical Center Saparmourad A. Nyazov, Berzengui/Achgabat (cardiology, general surgery): phone + 993 48 90 06 et 48 90 08
• Doctor Arslan Gurbanovitch Nepasov (listed by the French Embassy): phone + 993 42 52 50 (office), + 993 30 78 70 (cell phone), + 993 35 82 35 (home)

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

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

CLIMATE

• The climate is continental with scarce rainfalls throughout the year.
• Summers are dry and blistering (40°C) and winters are cold, sometimes freezing (-25°C). Springs and autumns are pleasant, with mild temperatures.
• The air is dry in the center of the country and wetter on the shores of the Caspian sea.
• The desertic region of Karakoum is often subject to strong winds which case sandstorms.
• When to go: in April, May, September or Octobre.