In general, swimming in fresh water should be avoided. Typhoid fever: Caused by the salmonella bacteria; common in villages and rural areas in the Middle East. While mostly transmitted through contaminated food and water, it can be acquired by direct contact with people. Early symp- toms include fever, headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite, constipation, and sometimes a rash on the abdomen or chest. Antibiotics can treat typhoid, but a vaccination is recommended. OTHER INFECTIOUS DISEASES Rabies: Transmitted through the saliva of infected animals; fatal if untreated. By the time symptoms appear , the disease is in its terminal stage. If you are bitten, wash the wound thoroughly, seek immediate medical care, and try to have the animal located. A rabies vaccine, which consists of 3 shots given over a 21-day period, is available but is only semi- effective. Hepatitis B: A viral infection of the liver transmitted via bodily fluids or needle- sharing. Symptoms may not surface until years after infection. Vaccinations are recommended for health-care workers, sexually-active travelers, and any- one planning to seek medical treatment abroad. The 3-shot vaccination series must begin 6 months before traveling. Hepatitis C: Like Hep B, but the mode of transmission differs. IV drug users, those with occupational exposure to blood, hemodialysis patients, and recip- ients of blood transfusions are at the highest risk, but the disease can also be spread through sexual contact or sharing items like razors and toothbrushes that may have traces of blood on them. AIDS, HIV, STDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is a growing problem around the world. The World Health Organization estimates that there are 30 million people infected with HTV virus, and women now represent 40% of all new HIV infections. The easiest mode of HIV transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an HIV-positive person; never share intravenous drug, tattooing, or other nee- dles. The most common mode of transmission is sexual intercourse. Health pro- fessionals recommend the use of latex condoms. Since it may not always be easy to buy condoms when traveling, take a supply with you for your trip. Israel has several organizations devoted to HIV/AIDS, including the Jerusalem AIDS Project, P.O. Box 7956, Jerusalem 91077 679 76 77; , which provides education and support. Their web site lists several links to other HIV/AIDS organizations. For detailed information on AIDS in Israel, call the US Centers for Disease Con- trol's 24hr. hotline at «800-342-2437, or contact the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS , 20, ave. Appia, CH-1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland . Council's brochure, Travel Safe: AIDS and Interna- tional Travel, is available at all Council Travel offices and on their web site . Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital warts, syphilis, and herpes are easier to catch than HIV and can be just as deadly.