Risk / Health Info for Burundi

What immunisations do you need for Burundi?

Check our recommended vaccines list for a trip to Burundi. Our advisors can put together a travel health regime that meets all your needs.

Rabies occurs in Burundi and if you will be around animals – particularly bats and dogs -- consider getting vaccinated. Children should also be vaccinated against rabies. Seek urgent medical advice for an animal bite or scratch, even if you have had a shot against rabies.

Cases of malaria are increasing in Burundi so malaria prophylaxis is a wise precaution.

There is a risk of contracting yellow fever in Burundi. Like malaria, it is spread by mosquitoes and you should avoid getting bitten. You may need a yellow fever certificate when you travel on from Burundi: ask your advisor at Global Travel Clinics whether this is appropriate for you.

Recent disease outbreaks in Burundi

Many cases of cholera have been reported in Burundi, including some fatalities. A vaccine for cholera is available. Other food- and water-borne illnesses, such as typhoid and hepatitis A are also a risk in Burundi, but you can get shots for these, too.

Think carefully before swimming in Lake Tanganyika, because of water-borne diseases and attacks by wildlife.

The prevalence of HIV in Burundi is higher than in Canada and the U.S. – 1.3% of the adult population is living with HIV (it’s 0.25% in Canada) so you should take precautions to avoid exposure. Practise safe sex; do not use intravenous drugs and avoid un-necessary invasive cosmetic or healthcare procedures. These same precautions should also be exercised to avoid infection with hepatitis B. A hepatitis B vaccine is available and should be considered by anyone who considers themselves at risk.

Altitude in Burundi

Parts of Burundi are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Malaria in Burundi

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Burundi 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 Burundi

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 Burundi. This condition is also known as bilharzia.