Risk / Health Info for Comoros

Do I need vaccines for Comoros?

There are some vaccines to get before going to The Comoros and your healthcare advisor can guide you. There are frequent interruptions to power and water supplies, which can affect sanitation and may mean that food has been poorly refrigerated. It is strongly recommended that you take precautions against gastro-intestinal upsets, including getting vaccinated against cholera, typhoid and hepatitis A.

Some groups of travellers to Comoros should consider a hepatitis B immunisation. These include children, frequent and long-stay travellers as well as those who will be working in a healthcare setting, including dentistry. Hep B is also contracted through recreational intravenous drug use and unprotected sex. Another infection route for hepatitis B is invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

What hospital facilities are there in Comoros?

Medical facilities are basic in The Comoros and interruptions to the power supply can affect hospitals. This includes issues with the storage of medications. If you take medicines which are sensitive to changes in temperature, talk with your pharmacist to learn more about safe storage of medications. The healthcare services on the islands are mostly private, so travel insurance is a must if you are going to Comoros. You should also bear in mind that evacuation may be necessary.

Protect your health in Comoros

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne illnesses in Comoros, including dengue fever and malaria, so it is a very good idea to avoid bites wherever possible. You should wear clothing with good limb coverage and use a reliable insect repellent: ask your travel healthcare advisor to recommend a brand. If you can, opt for an air-conditioned room so you can sleep with the windows closed, or sleeping under bed nets.

Dengue fever in Comoros

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Comoros. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Malaria in Comoros

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Comoros 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.