World Country Guide

1
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers over one year of age. Yellow fever risk is particularly high in Ogooue-Ivindo province.

2
Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Gabon. 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
Immunisation against typhoid and poliomyelitis is often recommended.

4
Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists all year throughout the country. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.

Food & drink
All water should be regarded as 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. Hepatitis A and E are widespread. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well-chlorinated and maintained are safe. Onchocerciasis (river blindness) and trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) are present. Epidemics of meningococcal disease may occur, particularly in the savannah areas and during the dry season. Immunisation against diphtheria is sometimes recommended. Oriental lung fluke has 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.

Health care
Travellers in rural areas should take a first-aid kit with anti-tetanus and anti-venom serums. Medical facilities are limited. Full health insurance is essential.