Risk / Health Info for Equatorial Guinea

Do I need immunisations for Equatorial Guinea?

What vaccines do you need for Equatorial Guinea? Our advisors can put together a travel health regime that meets all your needs. Vaccines to get when travelling to Equatorial Guinea include vaccines for hepatitis A and typhoid.

Some groups of travellers should consider a hepatitis B vaccine. People who travel often or who plan to stay for a while in Equatorial Guinea should consider a hep B jab. Also, children and healthcare workers.

Rabies occurs in Equatorial Guinea and if you are going to a remote region or if you will be working with animals, particularly bats and dogs, consider getting this vaccine. Children should also be vaccinated against rabies as they may get bitten while playing with animals, often on the face or neck. Seek urgent medical advice about an animal bite or scratch in Equatorial Guinea, even if you have been vaccinated.

Equatorial Guinea is in the African meningitis belt so think about getting a meningococcal meningitis vaccination, 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.

What hospital facilities are there in Equatorial Guinea?

The La Paz hospital in Malabo is good; but emergency coverage in other parts of Equatorial Guinea is limited. It is important to have good travel insurance when you go to Equatorial Guinea as you may need to be evacuated for treatment.

The emergency number in Equatorial Guinea is 3101.

Altitude in Equatorial Guinea

Parts of Equatorial Guinea 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.

Dengue fever in Equatorial Guinea

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Equatorial Guinea. 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 Equatorial Guinea

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Equatorial Guinea 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 Equatorial Guinea

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 Equatorial Guinea. This condition is also known as bilharzia.