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Country Guide > Africa > Ethiopia | |
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Health
1 A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from infected areas. Ethiopia is listed in the endemic zone for yellow fever and travellers arriving from non-endemic zones should note that vaccination is strongly recommended for travel outside the urban areas, even if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported and they would normally not require a vaccination certificate to enter the country. 2 Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Ethiopia. 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; see the Health appendix for more information. 3 Typhoid is widespread. Poliomyelitis is endemic. Vaccination against both is advised. 4 Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists throughout the year in all areas below 2000m (6562ft). Highly chloroquine-resistant falciparum is reported. No malaria risk exists in Addis Ababa. 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 Diarrhoeal diseases, including giardiasis, and typhoid fevers are common. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well-chlorinated and maintained are safe. Onchocerciasis (river blindness) occurs. Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) has been reported. Hepatitis A and E are widespread; hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Meningococcal meningitis risk is present, particularly in dry areas and during the dry season. Visceral leishmaniasis may be found in the drier areas. Trachoma is widespread. Immunisation against diphtheria is also recommended. 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 The high altitude and low oxygen level of much of Ethiopia needs time to be acclimatised to. Those who suffer from heart ailments or high blood pressure should consult a doctor before travelling. Health insurance is strongly advised; see the Health appendix. |