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Country Guide > Africa > Mali | |
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Health
1 A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by all travellers over one year of age arriving from all countries. 2 Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Mali. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. There was, for instance, a recent outbreak in the Segou district, central Mali. 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 further information. 3 Typhoid is widespread and appropriate precautions should be taken. Polio is endemic. 4 Malaria, mainly in the malignant falciparum form, is present all year throughout the country. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine has been reported. The recommended prophylaxis is mefloquine. 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. The following health risks have been reported from the area: many viral diseases (transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies), meningococcal meningitis (particularly in the savannah areas and during the dry season), dysenteries, diarrhoeal diseases, diphtheria, tuberculosis, hepatitis A, B and E (all widespread) and trachoma. Rabies is also 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 facilities are very limited and inadequate for dealing with emergencies. Health insurance (including adequate medical evacuation) is therefore essential. Many medicines are unavailable, and doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health care services. |