Risk / Health Info for Lesotho

Which injections do I need for Lesotho?

You will need a few jabs for Lesotho, and you should get these organised well in advance of your trip.

A vaccine for hepatitis A will provide protection from one of the many causes of GI illnesses that travellers suffer from. The vaccine against typhoid is also recommended to people going to Lesotho. A combined shot for hep A and typhoid is available. A cholera immunisation will protect you against another GI illness which is spread by contaminated food and water.

You should check whether you need a tetanus booster shot before you go to Lesotho, particularly if you are a frequent traveller or if you are planning a long visit. Ask your travel health advisor for guidance.

Some people should consider a hepatitis B jab before they go to Lesotho. They are:

• children
• frequent travellers
• long-stay travellers
• anyone who will be working in a healthcare setting, including dentistry or in a lab that handles bodily fluids.

Rabies, which is contracted from the saliva of an infected animal, occurs in Lesotho. If you are going to a remote region, you should consider getting this shot. Children should also be vaccinated against rabies as they may get bitten while playing with animals and are particularly likely to be bitten around the face or head, which is thought to result in a faster disease progression. People visiting Lesotho for adventure activities such as caving or cycling are at increased risk of animal bites and should ask their travel health advisor whether the rabies vaccine is appropriate. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal in Lesotho you should see a healthcare professional as soon as possible, even if you have had the rabies vaccination. They will assess the risk and decide whether you need post-exposure prophylaxis.

Are there hospitals in Lesotho?

There are basic medical facilities in Lesotho and many travellers opt to drive 90 minutes to Bloemfontein in South Africa for healthcare. You will have to pay for any treatment you receive and for medical evacuation if required, so ensure your travel insurance is in order before you go to Lesotho.

The emergency number in Lesotho is 121.

Other health concerns in Lesotho

About 24% of the population of Lesotho is living with HIV and this is one of the country’s most important development issues. You should take normal precautions to avoid exposure to the virus.

Altitude in Lesotho

Parts of Lesotho 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.