Health risks

Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with a parliament and an independent judiciary. Ultimate authority rests with the King. The capital is Rabat.

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Morocco has a mixed economy based largely on agriculture, fishing, light industry, phosphate mining, tourism, and remittances from citizens working abroad. Modern tourist facilities and means of transportation are widely available, but may vary in quality depending on price and location.

CRIME: Morocco has a high crime rate in urban areas. Criminals have targeted tourists for robberies, assaults, muggings, thefts, purse snatching, pick-pocketing, and scams of all types. Most of the petty crime occurs in the medina/market areas, parks and beaches. Commonly reported crimes include falsifying credit-card vouchers, and shipping inferior rugs as a substitute for the rugs purchased by the traveler.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Adequate medical care in Morocco is available, particularly in Rabat and Casablanca, although not all facilities meet high quality standards, and specialized care or treatment may not be available. Medical facilities are adequate for non-emergency matters, particularly in the urban areas, but the medical staff will probably not be able to communicate in English. Travelers planning to drive in the mountains and other remote areas may wish to carry a medical kit and a Moroccan phone card for emergencies. In the event of car accidents involving injuries, immediate ambulance service usually is not available.

In general arthropodborne diseases are not a problem. In some areas the following diseases can occur:

Filariasis
Leishamaniasis
Malaria
Relapsing fever
Rift Valley fever
Epidemic typhus
West Nile fever

Water- or foodborne diseases:

Amoebiasis
Diarrhoae
Hepatitis A
Typhoid fever
Brucellosis
Giardiasis
Echinococcosis (sporadic)
Cholera (sporadic)

Other diseases:

Hepatitis B
Schistosomiasis (Bilharziasis )

Vaccination recommendation:

Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin
Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
Yellow fever - when entering from an endemic region
Typhoid fever - if staying in remote areas
Rabies - if risk for contact with animals
A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within the last 10 years.

Prevent illness by:

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Drink only water from cans or boiled water
Avoid using ice or drinking untreated water
Wash and/or peel all raw vegetables and fruits before eating.
Use uncontaminated water to wash all food that is to be eaten raw.
Avoid eating uncooked foods - Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it;
Avoid swimming in fresh water
Traffic accidents are the most common cause of injuries so be careful
Avoid travelling at night and use safety belts when available
To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot.
Use latex condoms for protection against sexually transmitted diseases
Malaria prophylaxis is not recommended as risk is minimal

Compulsory vaccinations: none.

Recommended immunisations: *diphtheria, hepatitis A, *hepatitis B, polio, *TB, tetanus, typhoid * recommended in some circumstances, travellers making 3 or more visits per year, stays of more than 3 months in a rural area, high-risk occupational groups & backpackers staying more than 1 month.

Risks: malaria, very limited risk exists from May-Oct in certain rural areas of Khourigba Province. Rabies.

Blood transfusion & tissue transplantation risk according to UK BTS:

Malaria: Yes, May - October in Al Hoceima Taounate and Taza provinces
Maliaria Risk Category: B
Trypanasoma Cruzi Risk: No
Sub Saharan Africa: No
West Nile Virus Risk: No
Chikungunya Virus Risk: No

Yellow fever vaccination requirements and recommendations and malaria situation in Morocco
Food and Water Safety
HIV Risk
Check travelers health risks by CDC before, after and while traveling to Morocco and prevention before arrival at Morocco

Travel data, health safety, warnings and recommendations for Canadian who willing to visit Morocco