While Albania is a fascinating country to visit, there are a few health concerns and other things travelers should know. Here are our tips to avoid getting sick.
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- Vaccinations for Albania
- Medical Facilities in Albania
- Hepatitis E
- Tick Borne Encephalitis
- Sandflies
- Can I Drink Tap Water in Albania?
Vaccinations for Albania
Visitors to Albania are advised to ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date. Hepatitis A and B are also recommended.
Medical facilities in Albania
The public health service infrastructure in Albania isn't of a high standard particularly outside the capital, Tirana. There is a general lack of medical equipment and hygiene levels can vary.
It's recommended that anyone traveling to Albania has comprehensive travel insurance including medical coverage. There are private clinics in Tirana with English speaking staff however travelers should be aware that they could be expected to pay in advance regardless of whether they have insurance or not.
If you are on medication, bring what you need from home along with a doctor's letter as obtaining replacements in Albania could be difficult or not of the same quality. However, there are pharmacies available for basic medical supplies.
Similarly, the dental facilities are also not recommended.
Hepatitis E
Hepatitis E is highly endemic in Albania according to the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers (IAMAT) and can be transmitted person to person via contaminated food and water. There is currently no vaccination available for Hepatitis E so precautions must be taken to avoid contaminated food and water.
Tick-borne encephalitis
There is a risk of tick-borne encephalitis for travelers walking or hiking in forested areas. The ticks are mainly active in spring and autumn. To avoid being feasted upon, make sure you take preventative measures such as wearing light, long sleeved clothing, tucking your pants into your socks, sticking to marked trails and applying deet based repellent. Inspect your body and belongings when you leave your walking/hiking spot in case of hitchhiking ticks.
Sandflies
In the coastal areas of Albania, sandflies can be a problem as they can carry the diseases leishmaniasis and sandfly fever. As you would for ticks, take bite prevention measures.
Can I drink tap water in Albania?
It's recommended not to drink tap water in Albania, instead use treated or boiled water. Check out our article for further tips on water sanitation.
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