Risk / Health Info for Chad

What immunizations should I get for Chad

Your regular shots should be up to date if you plan to visit Chad. The hepatitis A and typhoidshots are recommended, as they can be contracted through food or water. 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.

What diseases are endemic in Chad?

Polio and measles have seen a resurgence in Chad. There is a vaccine for polio and your normal Canadian vaccine schedule should protect you against measles.

There have been recent cases of the water-borne illness hepatitis E in Chad. Take care with your drinking water (including ice) and maintain good hand hygiene to protect yourself from this and other water-borne illnesses.

Chad 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.

Is there rabies in Chad?

Animals in Chad can carry rabies. If you might be around dogs or bats, or other animals, make sure you are vaccinated. Children are often more at risk of getting injured by an animal. Runners and cyclists are also common victims of animal bites. Always get prompt medical care if you have been bitten, or scratched by an animal in Chad, even if you’ve had your shot, as you may need post-exposure rabies prophylaxis.

What medical facilities are there in Chad?

Chat’s health service is stretched and strikes are common. Evacuation will be necessary if you are seriously ill so it is important to have good insurance for travel in Chad. Your provincial or territorial health insurance will not cover you when you leave Canada, so get travel insurance before you go.

Altitude in Chad

Parts of Chad are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Malaria in Chad

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Chad 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 Chad

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 Chad. This condition is also known as bilharzia.