Risk / Health Info for Cote D'ivoire

What inoculations do I need for Côte d'Ivoire?

You will need a few immunizations for Côte d'Ivoire. There are vaccines to protect you against food- and water-borne diseases such as typhoid, cholera and hepatitis A. As well as getting vaccinated you can also reduce your risk by drinking only boiled or bottled water and by practising good hygiene.

Some groups of travellers should consider a hepatitis B vaccine. If you travel frequently, are a child or are planning a long stay, your risk of catching hep B is elevated. Healthcare workers may also want to get a vaccination against hepatitis B.

Another vaccine for travellers planning a long stay is rabies. It is contracted through the saliva of an infected animal, often a dog or a bat. Seek urgent medical advice for an animal bite or scratch, even if you have been vaccinated. The health care professional attending you will assess the risk and, if necessary, arrange for a post-exposure vaccine.

Côte d'Ivoire 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) when the dust makes respiratory infections very common. The bacteria that causes meningococcal meningitis is spread person-to-person through respiratory droplets.

What healthcare hospital medical facilities are there in Côte d'Ivoire?

You will get a reasonable standard of healthcare in the capital Abidjan if you pay for it. There are few emergency facilities. It is important to have good travel insurance for Côte d'Ivoire as you may have to be evacuated for treatment.

The emergency number in Côte d'Ivoire is 180.

Dengue fever in Cote D'ivoire

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Cote D'ivoire. 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 Cote D'ivoire

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Cote D'ivoire 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 Cote D'ivoire

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 Cote D'ivoire. This condition is also known as bilharzia.