Risk / Health Info for Benin

What vaccines do I need for Benin?

Before you leave for Benin, consult our advisers about making sure your shots are up to date, including polio. Hepatitis A, typhoid and cholera vaccinations are recommended, especially as they are spread by unsafe water and food. Avoid “traveller’s diarrhea”: practise good food and water precautions. Use only commercially bottled or sterilized water, and do not eat food that has not been boiled or cooked or that you have not peeled.

Do you need a yellow fever certificate to go to Benin? The answer is yes. The yellow fever shot gives lifelong immunity and your certificate is proof of this. Keep the certificate safe and you will never need to get another yellow fever vaccination.

Should I get vaccinated against hepatitis B before going to Benin?

Regular travellers and long-stay visitors to Benin should consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, which is spread by contact with contaminated blood or body products. Other groups at risk include children and healthcare workers. If you think you are at elevated risk of exposure to hep B, tell your Canadian Travel Clinics adviser.

What diseases could I catch in Benin?

There have been recent cases of tuberculosis in Benin, and outbreaks of meningitis. Lassa fever cases have occurred, too. This acute viral hemorrhagic illness can be caught from other people, but also from rodent droppings.

You can find out if there are any disease outbreaks in Benin from the World Health Organization.

What medical facilities are there in Benin?

In remote or rural areas there may be no medical services. Emergency facilities are not common. If you have a complex problem you will have to be evacuated, so make sure your travel health insurance covers this. Your provincial or territorial health insurance will not cover you when you leave Canada, so get travel insurance before you go.

Malaria in Benin

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Benin 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 Benin

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 Benin. This condition is also known as bilharzia.