Health Advice when Travelling to Morocco
Below are some handy tips to staying healthy during your holiday in Morocco...
Climate and Health
The climate and general conditions of Morocco shouldn’t pose a risk to most healthy people. The Atlantic Coast, however, will pose a problem for asthma sufferers, people with rheumatism and people who have liver problems. Due to the extreme heat during the summer months, it is recommended that you keep plenty of water and fruit on your person.
Water
Most minor health complaints can be solved by visiting a pharmacy. However you can also try and be prepared for certain health complaints that you can expect along the way. You should also pack in water purification tablets. Though most water in Morocco is safe for consumption, you might want to use them in the southern regions of Morocco where bilharzia and schistosomiasis has been a problem in the past. Never drink from mountain streams unless a local says it is safe to do so. The purification tablets are also handy for bartering with Moroccans living in isolated areas.
Diarrhea
Most visitors will experience diarrhea at some stage. This is usually due to a sensitive stomach. If it occurs, it is suggested that you change your diet to simpler foods and take measures to re-hydrate your body. Oral re-hydration salts are good for this purpose. Usually it is nothing to worry about but if symptoms persist for a week or get worse, you should seek professional help.
Dangerous Animals
If you are trekking or hiking in Morocco, you should know that there are several hazardous if not potentially deadly creatures living in the area. Snakes, scorpions and palm rats can all deliver nasty and dangerous bites in the blink of an eye. However, being bitten is not a frequent occurrence and most travelers will never even see these animals. Morocco is considered to be a non-malaria region so you do not have to get any inoculations.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
AIDS, hepatitis and other sexually transmitted diseases do exist in Morocco, though the rate of infection is very low. If it is your intention to practice sexual acts in this country, it is suggested that you exercise the same amount of caution as you would in any other country. It is also not a bad idea to bring your own condoms.
Health Insurance
Full health Insurance is recommended. However, remember that the majority of health risks do not affect many tourists and this should not deter you from making a trip to Morocco.
