Risk / Health Info for Cameroon

Do I need immunizations for Cameroon?

In addition to your regular shots, which should be up to date before you leave for Cameroon, consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and cholera, outbreaks of which are quite common. These unpleasant gastrointestinal diseases are easily picked up in areas with poor sanitation and are spread by contaminated food and water. Stick to commercially bottled water in Cameroon and avoid using ice in drinks. Be sure to practise good hand hygiene.

Cameroon 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.

Should I get a hepatitis B shot?

Travellers who plan to visit Cameroon often or stay an extended period should get the hepatitis B shot. Spread by contact with blood or body fluids, hep B is also a risk for people who work in healthcare or dentistry in Cameroon, or for anyone who comes in contact with unsterilized needles or who engages in unprotected sex. Children are also at risk of hepatitis B through cuts and scrapes.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Cameroon?

You may need a yellow fever certificate when you travel on from Cameroon: ask your adviser at Canadian Travel Clinics whether this is appropriate for you. Yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes, so you should protect yourself against bites. Another mosquito-borne disease that you should protect yourself against is malaria, for which prophylaxis is available.

What medical facilities are there in Cameroon?

Cameroon’s healthcare service is not up to Canadian standards. Evacuation to South Africa or Canada may be necessary if you fall seriously ill during your visit to Cameroon. It is highly recommended that you purchase travel health insurance before you leave Canada because provincial or territorial health plans may not cover medical costs while outside the country. Contact your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

Malaria in Cameroon

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Cameroon 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.