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Country Guide > Africa > Congo, Republic of | |
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Health
1 A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over one year of age. 2 Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Congo. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness; s ee the Health appendix. 3 Immunisations or boosters for typhoid and poliomyelitis are advised. 4 Malaria risk exists all year throughout the country, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine has been reported. A weekly dose of 250mg of mefloquine is the recommended prophylaxis. Food & Drink All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Other risks Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. River blindness (onchocerciasis) and sleeping sickness (trypanosomiasis) are also prevalent. Hepatitis A is widespread and hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Meningococcal A and C have been reported and immunisation is recommended. As of May 2005, there has been an outbreak of the deadly virus, ebola haemorrhagic fever, in the northeastern town of Etoumbi. The town has been placed in quarantine since there is no known cure for ebola and the virus must be contained. It is thought that the virus was spread by consuming infected monkey meat. Nationals and all visitors are warned not to eat bush meat whilst the containment continues. Visitors may wish to be extra prudent and bypass the Cuvette West region. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix. Health care Medical and dental facilities are generally very limited outside Brazzaville. Health insurance is essential. |