Health and Safety in Ras El Sudr

There are plenty of western-trained medical professionals in Egypt, which is why health and safety in Ras El Sudr is not something you need to worry about. There are local hospitals and English-speaking physicians. Medical facilities are adequate for non-emergency matters, especially in tourist areas. Emergency and intensive care facilities are limited. Although Ras El Sudr is outside Cairo, facilities in some of the hospitals may fall short of western standards. If you are touring Ras El Sudr in a cruise boat, there may not be a ship's doctor there, but there are medical practitioners to help you out.

Beaches on the Mediterranean and the Red Sea coasts are generally unpolluted. People, who swim in the Nile or its canals, walk barefoot in stagnant water or drink untreated water risk themselves to being exposed to bacterial or other infections and the parasite-ridden disease called "schistosomiasis" or bilharzias as it is known. It is generally safe to eat properly prepared food, thoroughly cooked meat and vegetables in tourist hotels, on Nile cruise boats and in tourist destinations. It is best to drink bottled water that has been boiled and filtered. Well-known brands of bottled beverages are considered to be safe.

Travelers' diarrhea is the most common form of illness. With regard to fruits too, they should be well-peeled. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from visitors to ensure health and safety in Ras El Sudr, in case they happen to come from infected areas. Treatment can be expensive and standards vary, so insurance is advised. Cases of bird flu have been reported and there have been human fatalities too, although this risk is low for travelers. Come prepared to Ras El Sudr to beat the heat with a high risk of sun-block and drink plenty of water to punch dehydration.