MIDDLE EAST
Although yellow fever does not occur in these countries, an official yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required depending on your itinerary. Depending on your itinerary your health care provider may offer you vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, meningococcal meningitis, rabies, or typhoid. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.

Malaria risk exists throughout the year in a number of Middle Eastern territorires, the following provinces in Saudi Arabia for example: Al Bahah, Al Madinah, Asir (except high-altitude areas), Jizan, Makkah. Risk is not reported to exist in Jeddah, Riyadh, Mecca, Medina, and Taif cities, nor for Hajj travelers following the usual Hajj itinerary.

Quite a few diseases, including hepatitis A and typhoid fever, are transmitted by unsanitary food handling procedures and contaminated water. Food and beverage precautions are essential in order to reduce chance of illness. Anti-diarrheal drugs may be prescribed by your doctor.

Insect-borne diseases: Mosquitoes and flies transmit a variety of diseases in these countries, including malaria, dengue fever, and leishmaniasis. Personal protective measures are essential since insects cannot be avoided.

Tuberculosis is common in all developing countries. This country, while not in the highest risk category, has a prevalence of over 25 cases per 100,000 population. Travelers planning to stay more than 3 months should have pre-departure PPD skin test status documented. Those who expect to have close contact with the local population should be tested if staying more than 1 month. Travelers should avoid persons who are coughing in crowded public places whenever possible.

Schistosomiasis is present in freshwater lakes and rivers throughout the country and is transmitted by larvae that penetrate intact skin. Avoid freshwater exposure. Brucellosis is common. Avoid unpasteurized goat cheese (always white in color) and other unpasteurized dairy products.

Risk of scorpion stings exists in rural or desert travel as well as urban settings. Check clothing and shoes before dressing.
Venomous snakes may be encountered in rural, desert, and urban areas.
Children under 15 years of age who are residents of polio active countries may be required to take an oral polio vaccine upon arrival in manuy of these countries at any time of year.
Avian influenza H5N1, excreted in large amounts in the droppings of infected birds, has been confirmed in this country in birds only.

Enteric diseases, including amebic and bacillary dysenteries, are common.

For specific information on countries in this region please visit the WHO website: http://www.who.int/countries/en/

ASIA
Asias climate is mostly tropical or sub-tropical and subject to seasonal monsoon winds, especially the southwest rainbearing summer monsoons. However trakking into the mountains and dry regions can also bring its own problems.

These developing nations have some of the world's poorest economies often with substandard medical care. Adequate evacuation coverage for all travelers is a high priority and in the event of serious medical conditions every effort should be made to return to your own country or a country with adequate medical provision close by.

Yellow fever: Although yellow fever does not occur in India for example, an official yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required depending on your itinerary.

Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, typhoid, or a one time polio booster if you haven't previously received one for travel. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.

Serious risks exist throughout the year for Malaria and peaks after the monsoon season, which is usually June to September. Risk is widespread, though patchy. High altitude regions pose little or no threat although travel through lower lieing regions prior to climbing increases risk substantially. Because no preventive measure is 100% effective, if you have traveled in an area of malaria risk, seek immediate medical attention for any fever or flu-like illness occurring within 3 months of your return home. Be sure to tell your health care provider your travel history.

Quite a few diseases, including hepatitis A and typhoid fever, are transmitted by unsanitary food handling procedures and contaminated water. Food and beverage precautions are essential in order to reduce chance of illness. Anti-diarrheal drugs may be prescribed by your health care provider.

Insect-borne diseases: Mosquitoes and flies transmit a variety of diseases in this country, including malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya fever, Japanese encephalitis, and leishmaniasis. Personal protective measures are extremely important since insects cannot be avoided.
Tuberculosis is common in all developing countries.

Enteric diseases, including amebic and bacillary dysenteries, are extremely common.

Avian influenza H5N1, excreted in large amounts in the droppings of infected birds, has been confirmed in this region in birds, including poultry, but not in humans. Although risk to travelers is minimal, avoid places where direct contact with birds and/or their secretions may occur, such as live animal markets and poultry farms. Well cooked chicken is safe to eat. Current influenza vaccines are not protective.

For specific information on Asia Countries please visit the WHO site: http://www.who.int/countries/en/