Risk / Health Info for Burkina Faso

What shots should I get for Burkina Faso?

Tropical diseases, including malaria, are common in Burkina Faso and there are some recommended inoculations before you travel to this country. Canadian Travel Clinics can help you arrange these. Your regular shots should be up to date before you go to Burkina Faso.

Your healthcare adviser can tell you about shots that will prevent hepatitis A and typhoid, two nasty gastrointestinal illnesses caused by contaminated food and water. You can further reduce the risk of “travellers’ diarrhea” by using only commercially bottled water for drinking and ice cubes. Don’t eat food that you have not peeled yourself or that has not been cooked or boiled.

Burkina Faso is in the African meningitis belt so meningococcal meningitis shots are recommended, especially for visits between December and June. Meningococcal meningitis is spread person-to-person like a flu or cold, so practise good cough and sneeze etiquette by washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth and nose with your arm when you cough or sneeze.

Do I need a rabies shot for Burkina Faso?

Rabies is present in Burkina Faso, so make sure you are vaccinated especially if you might be around animals. Children are at particular risk of getting bitten, as are runners and cyclists. Always get immediate medical attention for any animal bite or scratch in Burkina Faso, even if you have had your shot. A healthcare professional will do a risk assessment and decide whether you need post-exposure rabies prophylaxis.

What are the healthcare facilities like in Burkina Faso?

Burkina Faso has limited medical facilities and evacuation will be necessary for serious illness. You will also need travel insurance to make sure you are covered for any medical costs, so check with your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

Outbreaks in Burkina Faso

Lassa fever cases have occurred, too, in Burkina Faso. This acute viral hemorrhagic illness can be caught from other people, but also from rodent droppings.

Malaria in Burkina Faso

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Burkina Faso 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 Burkina Faso

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 Burkina Faso. This condition is also known as bilharzia.

Dengue fever in Burkina Faso

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