Risk / Health Info for Mauritania

Do I need vaccinations for Mauritania?

What vaccines do you need for Mauritania? Our advisors can put together a travel health regime that meets all your needs. Typhoid and hepatitis A are two vaccines that are recommended to travellers going to Mauritania. These GI illnesses can be picked up from food or water and you can protect yourself further by drinking only bottled or boiled water and by ensuring that any food you eat is well cooked.

Some groups of travellers to Mauritania should consider a hepatitis B vaccine. This applies to children, who may pick up the virus from a cut or scratch. Long-stay and frequent travellers should also get a hep B shot. Finally, those who may be exposed to bodily fluids should get vaccinated against hepatitis B. This includes anyone working in healthcare or dentistry.

You may need a yellow fever shot and a certificate for when you travel on from Mauritania: ask your advisor at Global Travel Clinics whether this is appropriate for you.

What are the hospital facilities like in Mauritania?

Health facilities in Mauritania are limited outside Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. Expect to pay cash for medical care, euros or dollars may be accepted, but foreign insurance cards may not be welcome.

Look after yourself in Mauritania

In Mauritania’s hot, dry climate it is very important to stay hydrated. Keep your fluid intake high, and ensure you get enough salt.

Dengue fever in Mauritania

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Mauritania 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 Mauritania

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 Mauritania. This condition is also known as bilharzia.