World Country Guide

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. There are sometimes outbreaks of ebola haemorrhagic fever
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.