Egypt Warning Notes
Security
In 1997 there were terrorist attacks targeting tourists, and in October 2004 a terrorist attack disrupted
resorts along Egypt's Red Sea coast close to the Israeli border, killing about 20 people.
The government responded in both cases by cracking down on the activities of fundamentalist Islamic groups
and there has not been other significant incidents. However, travel in the south of the country is quite
restricted and at all times there is a significant police presence in the tourist areas and road travel
between historic sites is by escorted convoy.
The Australian Government has not issued an Egypt warning or advisory against travel to the country or any
advice against taking an Egypt tour. Tourists should always maintain awareness of what is happening around
them and take due care as would be advisable in travelling to any foreign country.
Bilharzia
There are tiny worm like parasites that can be found in the Nile which enter through a swimmer's skin and
attach themselves to the intestines or bladder. The first symptoms may be a tingling sensation and perhaps
a rash where the worm entered. There may result a general feeling of not being well, or there may be no
effect for weeks after which a high fever may develop. Once the disease has established abdominal pain and
blood in the urine are other signs. The infection often causes no symptoms until the disease is well
established and damage to internal organs is not reversible.
There is a moderate risk of contracting bilharzia from swimming in the waters of the Nile.
The best strategy is to avoid swimming where bilharzia is present. If you do inadvertantly get wet, dry off
quickly and dry your clothes as well. A blood test is the most reliable diagnostic, but it will not show
positive until several weeks after infection.
Malaria
Malaria poses minimal risk to travellers visiting major tourist areas in North Africa, with the exception of
al-Fayyum oasis.
Symptoms of malaria range from fever, sweating, chills, headache, diarrhoea and abdominal pains to a vague
feeling of ill-health. Without treatment malaria can rapidly become serious and can be fatal. Before you
travel you should seek medical advice on suitable medication and once you return home be tested for malaria.
The main advice for preventing mosquito bites is to wear light-coloured clothing including long trousers and
long-sleeved shirts - to use mosquito repellents containing the compound DEET - to not use perfumes or
aftershave - and to use a mosquito net impregnated with mosquito permethrin (pyrethrin) repellent.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is contracted as a result of the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms range from a mild fever
to more serious forms with fever, vomiting, headache and muscle and abdominal pain. This can progress to
liver and kidney failure.
The vaccination against yellow fever is effective and should be considered by anyone at risk of coming in
contact with the disease.
Revised: 8th October 2004
©2004
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