International Association for Medical Advice to Travellers (IAMAT; www.iamat.org) Gives
access to its online database of doctors with recognised training.
Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com)
MD Travel Health (www.mdtravelhealth.com) US website.
NHS (www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk) UK website.
Smarttraveller (www.smartraveller.gov.au) Australian website.
WHO (www.who.int/ith)
Further Reading
International Travel Health Guide by Stuart Rose MD.
The Travellers’ Good Health Guide by Ted Lankester.
Travellers’ Health by Dr Richard Dawood.
IN MOROCCO
Availability & Cost of Health Care
Primary medical care is not always readily available outside major cities and towns. Your hotel
may be able to recommend the nearest source of medical help, and embassy websites ( Click
here ) sometimes list doctors and clinics. In an emergency, contact your embassy or consulate.
Pharmacies These are generally well stocked, and pharmacists can provide advice (usually in
French) covering common travellers’ complaints. They can sell over-the-counter medication,
often including drugs only available on prescription at home, and advise when more specialised
help is needed. Double-check any unfamiliar purchases; readers have reported receiving
incorrect and potentially dangerous medication for their conditions.
Doctors and clinics Particularly outside the major cities, if you are being treated by a doctor
or at a clinic, you will often be expected to purchase medical supplies on the spot – even
including sterile dressings or intravenous fluids.
Dental care Standards are variable – Marrakshi street dentists around the Djemaa el-Fna
aren’t recommended! Travel insurance doesn’t usually cover dental work other than emergency
treatment.
Infectious Diseases
Hepatitis A
Spreads Through contaminated food (particularly shellfish) and water.
Symptoms and effects Jaundice, dark urine, a yellow colour to the whites of the eyes, fever
and abdominal pain. Although rarely fatal, it can cause prolonged lethargy and delayed
recovery.
Prevention Vaccine (Avaxim, VAQTA, Havrix) is given as an injection, with a booster extending
the protection offered. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines can also be given as a combined
single-dose vaccine (hepatyrix or viatim).