Risk / Health Info for Botswana

Do I need vaccines for Botswana?

If you want to ask, ‘What inoculations do I need before going to Botswana?’, talk with a healthcare advisor at Global Travel Clinics. You should consider inoculations against food- and water-borne illnesses such as hepatitis A and typhoid before you go to Botswana.

Rabies occurs in Botswana. It is contracted through the saliva of an infected animal and can be contracted through a bite or even a lick. If you are going to a remote part of Botswana or if you will be working around animals – particularly bats and dogs – consider getting vaccinated against rabies. Cavers, cyclists and runners are at risk of dog bites. Children should also be vaccinated against rabies, as they are common victims of dog bites and often don’t immediately report that they have been bitten. Seek urgent medical advice for an animal bite or scratch, even if you have been vaccinated. The healthcare professional will assess the risk of infection and if necessary, see that you get a pre-exposure vaccine.

Tetanus is another vaccine to think about if you are going to a remote area, particularly if you have not had a booster within the last ten years.

Are there hospitals in Botswana?

Healthcare is generally good in large towns, but in rural areas it may be hard to get good medical care. As evacuation to South Africa or North America could be necessary in case of serious illness or injury it is important to have good travel insurance for travel in Botswana.

The emergency number in Botswana is 997.

Recent disease outbreaks in Botswana

Do not touch dead animal carcasses, as there are occasionally outbreaks of anthrax in wild animals.

If you walk in the bush in Botswana, protect yourself against ticks, and check your limbs afterwards. There are several illnesses that can be contracted from tick bites.

Malaria in Botswana

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Botswana at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Schistosomiasis in Botswana

The schistosomiasis parasite enters humans through the skin during contact with fresh water. To prevent infection, avoid swimming or paddling in lakes and streams in Botswana. This condition is also known as bilharzia.