Central African Republic : Travel Health

WARNING! This information is out-dated and likely to be inaccurate!

Researching Travel Plans

Please note that this health information about Central African Republic may be out-of-date. Always research the current health conditions and issues in any region you plan to visit prior to departure.

Infectious Diseases and Medical Concerns for Central African Republic

The following medical diseases or health concerns are more common in travel to Central African Republic (compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World):

More Common Diseases and Medical Concerns for Central African Republic

The following health concerns or diseases are more commonly found in Central African Republic compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World:

motor vehicle trauma - wear seatbelts and avoid night driving

Epidemics for Central African Republic

The following health concerns, diseases or comments are related to epidemics in Central African Republic:

menigococcal meningitis

Less Common Diseases and Health Concerns for Central African Republic

The following health concerns or medical diseases are less commonly found in Central African Republic compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World:

trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)
plague - risk for travelers is small
poliomyelitis
Ebola virus - rare and sporadic
Lassa virus - rare and sporadic

Vaccinations for Travel to Central African Republic

The following medical vaccinations are desirable or helpful for travel to Central African Republic to prevent contagious diseases in Central African Republic:

hepatitis A - or immune globulin (IG)
hepatitis B - if risk of exposure to blood/bodily fluid or medical treatment or if your stay will be longer than 6 months
rabies - if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation
typhoid
Meningococcal meningitis for travel from December through June
yellow fever
tetanus - booster dose as needed
diphtheria - booster dose as needed
measles - booster dose as needed
polio - one-time dose of polio vaccine for adults

Preventions or Health Precautions for Travel to Central African Republic

Any health risk of travel to Central African Republic may be reduced by the following precautionary health measures when visiting Central African Republic:

Take your malaria prevention medication before/during/after travel as directed
high rate of motor vehicle trauma - avoid night driving and wear seatbelts
mosquito bite prevention
insect bite protection
avoid drinking non-treated water - only drink bottled or canned water
eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself
keep feet clean and dry - help prevent parasitic infections
do not go barefoot - help prevent parasitic infections
always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
don't eat dairy products unless you know they have been pasteurized
don't eat food purchased from street vendors
don't drink beverages with ice
don't eat dairy products unless you know they have been pasteurized
don't share needles with anyone
don't handle animals (especially monkeys/dogs/cats) - to avoid bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague - risk for travelers is small)
don't swim in fresh water. Salt water is usually safer
avoid crowded public places and public transport