Africa is probably the number one destination for medical precautions for tourists. And all the information can be quite overwhelming; off-putting even.
In fact the medical precautions are reasonably straight-forward. Here is a quick guide to what you should consider.
This is a guide only. We are not medical practitioners and you should see your local GP and/or a specialist travel inoculation clinic at least 8 weeks prior to travel to Africa to discuss your itinerary and listen to their recommendations. A great resource is the Australia government Smart Traveller website.
Firstly make sure your standard inoculations are up to date such as tetanus, influenza, shingles, pneumococcal, measles, polio etc.
These are the main medical issues that travellers to Africa need to consider:
Hepatitis A is often spread through contaminated food or close contact with someone who’s sick. Water-borne outbreaks can happen in developing countries. Getting the full two-dose Hep A vaccine is a good idea if you’re heading to these places; it gives you permanent cover.Â
Also, be extra careful about hygiene and food safety.
(Getting a vaccine for Hepatitis B is probably not required for travel – check with your doctor.)
Yellow Fever is a risk but just as importantly You might need proof of a yellow fever vaccination to enter certain countries in Africa such as Tanzania. Some airlines might ask for it at check in.
And you might need to brandish it upon return to Australia or NZ– that’s the experience of many of us personally.
You can find info about returning to Australia after yellow fever exposure here: http://www.health.gov.au/yellowfever
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the current mpox outbreak in parts of Africa as a global public health emergency. It has now spread across a number of countries in Africa, including Kenya.
Mpox can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with an infectious person, infected animals or contaminated materials.
Seek professional medical advice on mpox vaccines.
Malaria is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa and you are strongly recommended to discuss appropriate medical precautions with your doctor, medical clinic or trusted pharmacist. Malaria precautions are taken in tablet form and there are a range of options. It has to be said that these medications can come with side effects so it is particularly important that you discuss this one with someone familiar with your medical history.
Whilst in Africa to protect yourself from disease:
Visit a doctor if you develop either a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a bad headache.
Again mosquitos are the issues and the same precautions apply as for malaria. Buy preventive tools such as:
There is currently no vaccine to prevent initial dengue infection.
Rabies is a significant public health problem in Africa, especially in rural areas. It is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals via bites or scratches. There are pre-exposure vaccines that can be taken against rabies although even a vaccinated person will be hospitalised if bitten. This one is definitely for your doctor.
The number one precaution; avoid touching local animals.
Overall common sense prevails in most circumstances, so to protect yourself from illness:
The Africa trips that Expedition Partners book are based on good quality (very good quality) properties with appropriate standards of cleanliness and hygiene. Unlike budget travellers you are unlikely to encounter pools of stagnant water or dirty facilities.
For more information specific to your travel please feel free to visit these websites below if you need more information but, at the risk of being repetitive, you must consult a medical practitioner.
Call us today on 1300 654 861.
Or book a call below so we can call you back at a time convenient to you.
Expedition Partners (formerly Flower Travel) specialise in expedition style travel by small ship cruise and private rail journeys.
PH: 1300 654 861
Monday-Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm
