Health

Note: Inoculation regulations can change at short notice. Please take medical advice in the case of doubt.

1* Immunisation against poliomyelitis and typhoid is sometimes recommended.

2* Malaria risk in the benign vivax form exists from July to October in some villages in the southeastern part of the country.

In some regions, water should be regarded as being a potential health risk. Boiled water is readily available and should be used. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. 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.

Hepatitis A occurs. Immunisation against hepatitis B should be considered. Outbreaks of diphtheria and anthrax have been reported.

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. Travellers staying for more than one month must present a medical certificate proving they are HIV-negative. If not holding the required documentation, they will be subject to a compulsory AIDS test on arrival.

The health system is undergoing dramatic change, medical facilities are available but owing to the present state of medical services, emergency evacuation travel insurance is recommended for all travellers. It is also advisable to take a supply of those medicines that are likely to be required (but check first that they may be legally imported) as medicines can prove very difficult to get hold of.