Risk / Health Info for Nigeria

What immunisations do I need for Nigeria?

You will need a few vaccines for Nigeria, including typhoid, tetanus and yellow fever. There have been outbreaks of cholera recently, and a vaccine for cholera is available.

Other shots to consider include hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus.

A yellow fever shot will give you protection against a serious illness with a 60% fatality rate. You may need a yellow fever certificate when you travel on from Nigeria: ask your advisor at Global Travel Clinics whether this is appropriate for you.

Nigeria is in the African meningitis belt so think about getting a meningococcal meningitis vaccine, 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.

Can I get medical care in Nigeria?

Medical facilities in Nigeria can be basic. The British High Commission publishes a complete list of medical faculties and practitioners in Nigeria. Travel insurance is vital for a trip to Nigeria.

Protect your health in Nigeria

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne illnesses in Nigeria, including malaria, dengue fever and yellow fever, so it is a very good idea to avoid bites wherever possible. opt for clothing with longer sleeves and long pants and treat with reliable insect repellent. Sleep under nets wherever possible. And if a vaccine or prophylaxis is available, use it.

Cases of Lassa fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic illness, have occurred recently in Nigeria. Lassa fever is transmitted person-to-person or picked up from rodent urine or faeces.

Hepatitis E is contracted through drinking contaminated water and there have been cases this year in Nigeria. You can reduce your risk of catching hep E during your time in Nigeria by drinking only bottled water, avoiding ice of unknown purity and maintaining good hand hygiene.

Malaria in Nigeria

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Nigeria 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 Nigeria

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 Nigeria. This condition is also known as bilharzia.

Altitude in Nigeria

Parts of Nigeria 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 Nigeria

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

yellow fever in Nigeria