Health Information
FOR TRAVELERS TO EAST AND WEST AFRICA.
  • Food and waterborne diseases are the number one cause of illness in travelers. Travelers’ diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which are found throughout the region and can contaminate food or water. Infections may cause diarrhea and vomiting, fever (typhoid fever and toxoplasmosis), liver damage (hepatitis). Make sure your food and drinking water are safe.

  • Malaria is a preventable infection that can be fatal if left untreated. Prevent infection by taking prescription antimalarial drugs and protecting yourself against mosquito bites. Travelers to West and East Africa should take one of the following antimalarial drugs: Mefloquine (Lariam), Doxycycline or Malarone. Your risk of malaria may be high in these countries, including cities.

  • Yellow Fever vaccination is recommended and may be required for entry into certain of these countries. If your travel to West and East Africa. The easiest and safest thing to do is get a yellow fever vaccination and a signed certificate.

  • Schistosomiasis a parasitic infection is found in fresh water in these regions. Do not swim except in well-chlorinated swimming pools. Because motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury among travelers, walk and drive defensively. Avoid nighttime travel if possible and always use seat belts.

    CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC) RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING VACCINES:
    See your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for shots to take effect.
  • Hepatitis A or immune globulin (ITO).
  • 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.
  • Meningococcal meningitis for travel to most of these countries from December through June.
  • Yellow Fever
  • Rabies if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation.
  • Typhoid particularly if you are visiting developing countries in these regions.
  • As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles and a one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults.
    TO STAY HEALTHY, PLEASE DO...
  • Wash hands often with soap and water.
  • Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans and bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. If this is not possible, make water safer by BOTH filtering through an “absolute 1- micron or less” filter AND adding iodine tablets to the filtered water.
  • Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. REMEMBER: BOIL IT, COOK IT, PEEL IT, AND OR FORGET IT!
  • Take your malaria prevention medication before, during, and after travel as directed.
  • Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents, (applied sparingly at 4-hour intervals) and pyrethrum Impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn.
  • To prevent fungal and parasitic infection, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot.
    TO AVOID GETTING SICK...
    Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.
  • Don’t drink beverages with ice.
  • Don’t eat dairy products unless you know they have been pasteurized.
  • Don’t handle animals (especially monkeys, dogs, and cats), to avoid .bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague).
  • Don’t swim in fresh water.
    AFTER YOU HAVE RETURNED HOME...
  • Continue to take your antimalarial drug for 4 weeks. Travelers who Become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a Malaria-risk area and up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and should tell the physician their travel history.