Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire) : Travel Health

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

Researching Travel Plans

Please note that this health information about Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire) may be out-of-date.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 Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)

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

• travelers' diarrhea
• cholera
• malaria
• Escherichia coli diarrhea
• hepatitis A
• schistosomiasis - found in fresh water
• typhoid fever
• yellow fever
• Insect born diseases
• parasitic diseases
• Dengue fever
• filariasis
• leishmaniasis
• onchocerciasis
• loiasis
• HIV/ AIDS
• hepatitis B
• hepatitis C
• Tuberculosis
• chickungunya

More Common Diseases and Medical Concerns for Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)

The following health concerns or diseases are more commonly found in Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire) compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World:

• motor vehicle trauma - wear seatbelts and avoid night driving

Epidemics for Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)

The following health concerns, diseases or comments are related to epidemics in Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire):

• pneumonic plague - 2004/2005
• typhoid fever - 2004/2005

Less Common Diseases and Health Concerns for Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)

The following health concerns or medical diseases are less commonly found in Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire) compared to the USA and other areas of the Western World:

• trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)
• plague - risk for travelers is small
• ebola virus
• Ebola hemorrhagic fever
• Marburg virus

Vaccinations for Travel to Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)

The following medical vaccinations are desirable or helpful for travel to Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire) to prevent contagious diseases in Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire):

• 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 then all infants and children 11-12 years who did not complete the series as infants
• rabies - if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation
• typhoid
• 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 Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)

Any health risk of travel to Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire) may be reduced by the following precautionary health measures when visiting Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire):

• 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 places and public transport

Other Relevant Issues for Travel to Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire)

The following may be issues relevant to travel to Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire):

• medical care is substandard
• there may be consular warnings against travel to the country
• check latest advice for updates

Search Specialists by State and City