Health Ministry issues guidelines for Iraq travellers

A day after a Bahraini woman diagnosed with cholera, the Health Ministry has issued guidelines to those who are travelling to Iraq. The Ministry has urged the travellers to use bottled water for drinking during travel.

The risk of the spread of infection in the Kingdom is low, as clean drinking water is available in plenty and also because the country has effective system of sanitation. However, with more Bahrainis likely to travel to Iraq, where the number of cholera cases has surpassed 800, the ministry thought fit to issue travel guidelines.

In the guidelines, the Ministry said if possible travellers must only use bottled water that is safe to drink. To be extra careful, travellers can boil the water for more than a minute.

Since cleaning fruits and vegetables with clean water is essential, it is also important to peel them before eating and ensure the meals are cooked well and are hot. The guidelines also urge the travellers to wash the hands thoroughly and consistently especially before and after eating and using the bathroom.

Already the Ministry has asked the travellers not to bring food items or water from Iraq as they may carry the disease. If affected with diarrhea, travellers must follow rules of hygiene and get checked to the nearest hospital or health centre when it gets worse.