Belgium is a beautiful country located in Western Europe, known for its medieval cities, charming towns, and stunning countryside. However, like any other country, Belgium has its share of health risks that travelers should be aware of. In this article, we will discuss some of the health risks in Belgium, whether inoculations, vaccinations or health certificates are required for entry, and where you can get reliable advice on health risks in Belgium.
Health Risks in Belgium
Air Pollution
Belgium, particularly its capital city Brussels, is known for its high levels of air pollution. The pollution is mostly caused by traffic, industry, and household heating. Exposure to air pollution can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Travelers with pre-existing respiratory conditions should take precautions and consult their doctors before traveling to Belgium.
Tick-borne Diseases
Belgium has a high prevalence of tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). These diseases are transmitted by tick bites and can cause fever, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and neurological symptoms. To avoid tick bites, travelers should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, use insect repellent, and avoid walking through high grass and wooded areas.
Sun Exposure
While Belgium is not a sunny destination, overexposure to the sun can still cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. Travelers should use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear a hat, and seek shade during the hottest hours of the day.
Food and Waterborne Diseases
Like in any other country, travelers to Belgium are at risk of contracting food and waterborne diseases, such as traveler’s diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever. Travelers should drink bottled water or water that has been boiled or treated with chlorine or iodine tablets. They should also avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, fish, and shellfish, and only consume fruits and vegetables that have been washed with clean water.
Inoculations, Vaccinations and Health Certificates
Inoculations and Vaccinations
Currently, there are no specific inoculations or vaccinations required for travelers entering Belgium. However, travelers should ensure that their routine vaccinations are up to date, including measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
Health Certificates
Travelers are not required to provide a health certificate to enter Belgium. However, some airlines may require a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding the flight to Belgium. Travelers should check with their airline to determine if this is required.
Where to Get Reliable Advice on Health Risks in Belgium
Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment
The FPS Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment is responsible for public health in Belgium. They provide information on health risks in the country, including updates on diseases and outbreaks. They also provide advice on vaccinations and immunizations for travelers. Travelers can contact the FPS Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment at:
- Phone: +32 2 524 97 97
- Email: info@health.fgov.be
- Website: https://www.health.belgium.be/en
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) provides information on health risks in Belgium, including recommended vaccinations and travel health notices. Travelers can visit the ECDC website at:
- Website: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information on health risks in Belgium, including updates on diseases and outbreaks. They also provide advice on vaccinations and immunizations for travelers. Travelers can visit the WHO website at:
- Website: https://www.who.int/
Visit Brussels
Visit Brussels is the official tourism website of Brussels. They provide general information on traveling to Brussels, including health and safety tips. Travelers can visit the Visit Brussels website at:
- Website: https://visit.brussels/en
Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs
The Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs provides information on entry requirements for Belgium, including information on health certificates and COVID-19 protocols. Travelers can contact the Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs at:
- Phone: +32 2 501 81 11
- Email: info@diplobel.fed.be
- Website: https://diplomatie.belgium.be/en
Traveling to Belgium can be an enjoyable and exciting experience, but it is essential to be aware of the health risks associated with traveling to this country. Air pollution, tick-borne diseases, sun exposure, and food and waterborne diseases are some of the health risks that travelers should be aware of. Currently, there are no specific inoculations or vaccinations required for travelers entering Belgium. However, travelers should ensure that their routine vaccinations are up to date. Travelers are not required to provide a health certificate to enter Belgium, but some airlines may require a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding the flight. Travelers can get reliable advice on health risks in Belgium from the FPS Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, World Health Organization, Visit Brussels, and Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs.