Risk / Health Info for Cameroon

What immunisations should I get for Cameroon

For travellers to Cameroon recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and typhoid, which can be picked up from food and water.

Cameroon is in the African meningitis belt so think about getting a meningococcal meningitis vaccine, particularly if you are travelling during the dry season (December to June). The bacteria that causes meningococcal meningitis is spread person-to-person through respiratory droplets, so practise good sneezing manners and seek help if you are living in close quarters with someone who falls ill from suspected meningitis.

Recent disease outbreaks in Cameroon

Cholera outbreaks are not uncommon in Cameroon and a vaccine is available.

You may need a yellow fever certificate when you travel on from Cameroon: ask your advisor at Canadian Travel Clinics whether this is appropriate for you. Yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitos, so you should protect yourself against bites. Another mosquito-borne disease that you should protect yourself against is malaria, for which prophylaxis is available.

According to the World Health Organisation 4.5% of the adult population of Cameroon is living with HIV, compared to 0.25% in Canada. Take precautions such as practising safer sex and avoid non-essential invasive procedures. The same precautions offer a degree of protection against hepatitis B. There is a vaccine for hepatitis B and people in high-risk groups should consider getting this jab.

What medical facilities are there in Cameroon?

Cameroon’s healthcare service is not up to Canada standards. Evacuation to South Africa or North America may be required if you fall seriously ill during your visit to Cameroon. It is important to have good travel insurance in Cameroon to cover the cost of treatment or evacuation.

Malaria in Cameroon

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Cameroon 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.