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Medical Summary
The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).
General Information
Yemen is a developing nation classified as low income. Located in the Middle East (west of Oman and south of Saudi Arabia), the climate is classified as dry (arid), with cooler temperatures in some high-altitude areas.
Vaccinations
Routine vaccinations are essential due to a persistent rise of vaccine-preventable diseases (especially markedly high rates of diphtheria, pertussis, and measles) globally. Prior to travel, travelers should be up-to-date with the age-appropriate routine vaccinations recommended by their home country, which may include: COVID-19; H. influenzae type B (Hib); hepatitis A; hepatitis B; influenza; measles, mumps, rubella; meningococcal; pneumococcal; polio; rotavirus; tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap preferred; consider an early pertussis booster for high-risk travelers); varicella.
Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against chikungunya, cholera, rabies, typhoid fever, or a one time polio booster if you haven't previously received one for travel.
Malaria
See also: Library article for Malaria
The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)
(prior to 2018) Malaria risk due predominantly to P. falciparum exists throughout the year, but mainly from September through February, in the entire country below 2000 m. There is no risk in Sanaʼa city. Malaria risk on Socotra Island is very limited.- Recommended prevention in risk areas: C – Risk of P. falciparum malaria, in combination with reported chloroquine and sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine resistance. Mosquito bite prevention plus atovaquone–proguanil or doxycycline or mefloquine chemoprophylaxis (select according to reported side effects and contraindications) a
aAlternatively, for travel to rural areas with low risk of malaria infection, mosquito bite prevention can be combined with stand–by emergency treatment (SBET). - Recommended prevention on Socotra Island: A – Very limited risk of malaria transmission. Mosquito bite prevention only.
WHO Country List footnote: When available, the date of the most recent update or confirmation is indicated in parentheses in the country list. If no date is indicated, the most recent update or confirmation was provided before 2013.
CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)
Areas with malaria: All areas < 2,000 m (6,562 ft). None in Sana'a.- Drug resistance3 : Chloroquine.
- Malaria species: P. falciparum 95%; P. malariae, P. vivax, and P. ovale 5% combined.
- Recommended chemoprophylaxis: Atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, or tafenoquine.4
3 Refers to P. falciparum malaria unless otherwise noted.
4 Primaquine and tafenoquine can cause hemolytic anemia in people with G6PD deficiency. Patients must be screened for G6PD deficiency before starting primaquine or tafenoquine. See Tafenoquine Approved for Malaria Prophylaxis and Treatment for more information.
Other Concerns
Travelers' Diarrhea
See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea
High risk exists throughout the country, including in deluxe accommodations. Community sanitation and food safety measures are generally inadequate. Some itineraries (e.g., remote destinations, austere accommodations) and activities (e.g., ecotourism, eating street or local-market food) further increase risk.
Travelers should observe food and beverage precautions, which reduce the likelihood of illness.
Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.
Other Food-Borne Illnesses
Precautions to prevent brucellosis, seafood poisoning may be needed.
Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases
Dengue, leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis, Rift Valley fever, West Nile virus may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.
Other Disease and Health Risks
Additional concerns include Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, helminths, hepatitis C, leptospirosis, marine hazards, schistosomiasis, sexually transmitted infections, snakebites, tuberculosis.
Safety and Security
See also: Library article for Safety and Security
Key Safety Risks
- Road conditions
- Public transportation
- Domestic and/or international air travel
- Maritime safety
- Petty crime
- Heightened crime risk for women
- Theft of vehicles
- Scams
- Arbitrary arrest/unlawful detention
Key Security Threats
- Armed conflict
- Terrorist attacks by domestic and/or transnational groups, which may target foreign nationals
- Risk of violent civil unrest
- Risk of violent protests
- Explosions in public places
- Landmines/unexploded ordnance
- Violent crime
- Kidnapping/hostage taking, which may target foreign nationals
- Random acts of armed violence
- Piracy
Emergency Phone Number
The national emergency number is 199; local operators do not speak English.
