Risk / Health Info for Ethiopia

There are some recommended inoculations for Ethiopia and Canadian Travel Clinics can help you arrange these. Your shots should be up to date before you go to Ethiopia. Your healthcare adviser can tell you about shots that will prevent hepatitis A and typhoid, two nasty gastrointestinal illnesses caused by contaminated food and water. You can further reduce the risk of “travellers’ diarrhea” by using only commercially bottled water for drinking and ice cubes. Don’t eat food that you have not peeled yourself or that has not been cooked or boiled.

Health services are poor in most areas ap

Prevalent constant spread of respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is occurring globally. WHO recommends that travellers avoid all nonessential international travel.

Some vaccines are strongly recommended and required before travelling to Ethiopia

hepatitis A

hepatitis B

typhoid

cholera

yellow fever

rabies

meningitis

polio

measles mumps and rubella (MMR)

Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)

chickenpox

shingles

pneumonia and 

influenza.-

Ethiopia falls in the meningitis zone. This particular territory of Africa is known for it’s meningitis transmission from December to June. Make sure consult The Global Travel Clinics for all your necessary travel shots against all types of meningitis before your trip.

There is an outburst of yellow-fever in the Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR) of Ethiopia. Travellers going to Ethiopia should get vaccinated against yellow fever at least 10 days prior their travel and should also take preventive measures against mosquito bites while being there. Mosquito-borne ailments such as malaria and dengue also exist in Ethiopia. Make sure you’re protected with antimalarials, repellents and netting.

Another very common outbreak in Ethiopia is of chikungunya. You can stay safe and protected against chikungunya disease by avoiding mosquito bites

Reduce your exposure to germs

In order to prevent yourself from getting ill or avoid transmitting illness to others, you need to follow these important tips:

• Make sure you wash your hands frequently, especially before eating.
• In case of absence of soap and water, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid physical contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you take necessary medical care.

art from the capital Addis Ababa.

Altitude in Ethiopia

Parts of Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Ethiopia 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 Ethiopia

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 Ethiopia. This condition is also known as bilharzia.