Spain : Travel Health

WARNING! This information is out-dated and likely to be inaccurate!

Researching Travel Plans

Please note that this health information about Spain may be out-of-date. Always research the current health conditions and issues in any region you plan to visit prior to departure.

Infectious Diseases and Medical Concerns for Spain

The following medical diseases or health concerns are more common in travel to Spain (compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World):

• travelers' diarrhea
• cholera
• Escherichia coli diarrhea
• hepatitis A
• typhoid fever
• Insect born diseases
• parasitic diseases
• plague - risk for travelers is small
• toxoplasmosis
• hepatitis B
• Lyme disease
• Brucellosis - avoid unpasteurised dairy products

More Common Diseases and Medical Concerns for Spain

The following health concerns or diseases are more commonly found in Spain compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World:

• motor vehicle trauma - wear seatbelts and avoid night driving

Uncommon or Rare Diseases and Medical Concerns for Spain

These medical diseases or health concerns are uncommon or rare in Spain:

• yellow fever - no risk although vaccination certificate may be required if coming from an infected area
• malaria - no current risk

Vaccinations for Travel to Spain

The following medical vaccinations are desirable or helpful for travel to Spain to prevent contagious diseases in Spain:

• hepatitis A - or immune globulin (IG)
• hepatitis B - If you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, stay longer than 6 months, or be exposed through medical treatment.
• tetanus - booster does as needed
• diphtheria - booster does as needed

Preventions or Health Precautions for Travel to Spain

Any health risk of travel to Spain may be reduced by the following precautionary health measures when visiting Spain:

• Never eat undercooked ground beef and poultry, raw eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products - risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and new variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease [nvCJD]
• high rate of motor vehicle trauma - avoid night driving and wear seatbelts
• mosquito bite prevention
• insect bite protection
• avoid drinking non-treated water - only drink bottled or canned water
• eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself
• keep feet clean and dry - help prevent parasitic infections
• do not go barefoot - help prevent parasitic infections
• always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
• although risk of infection is low, don't eat food purchased from street vendors
• don't drink beverages with ice
• don't share needles with anyone
• don't handle animals (especially monkeys/dogs/cats) - to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague - risk for travelers is small)
• use sunblock and take sunglasses and a hat
• Earthquakes may occur - take care and heed local precautions
• high risk of avalanches in mountainous areas - take care and heed local precautions
• conditions in mountainous areas can change rapidly - take note of weather conditions and consult experienced guides

Other Relevant Issues for Travel to Spain

The following may be issues relevant to travel to Spain:

• high level medical care where facilities are comparable to other industrialised countries is available throughout the country
• those seeking work, residency or study permits must undergo a medical examination which may include testing for HIV

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