World Country Guide

1
Equatorial Guinea is listed as one of the countries in the endemic zone and a yellow fever vaccination should be considered. You should also note that most countries require a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travellers coming from infected areas.

2
Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Equatorial Guinea. 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 further information.

3
Immunisation against typhoid and poliomyelitis is advised.

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 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 , as well as typhoid fevers , are common. Hepatitis A, B and E occur. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well-chlorinated and maintained are safe. Onchocerciasis (river blindness) is present. Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) has recently been reported. meningococcal meningitis may occur, especially during the dry season.
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 insurance including emergency repatriation is strongly advised.