Risk / Health Info for Gabon

What shots do I need for Gabon?

Your healthcare adviser at Canadian Travel Clinics can help you make sure your regular shots are up to date before you go to Gabon. You should also consider vaccinations to prevent hepatitis A and typhoid, to avoid these gastrointestinal illnesses caused by contaminated food and water. Avoid other causes of “travellers’ diarrhea” by making sure you drink commercially bottled water in Gabon, and by sticking to foods you can peel or that have been cooked or boiled. Wash your hands frequently.

Do I need the hepatitis B shot before I go to Gabon?

It is also wise to protect yourself against hepatitis B, especially if you plan to visit Gabon often or stay for a long time. Children are also at risk of hep B, as are people who work in healthcare or dentistry. It is contracted by contact with blood or body fluid, including via unprotected sex or unsterilized needles.

Can I get healthcare in Gabon?

In rural areas of Gabon medical facilities are limited. If you travel outside Canada you need travel insurance to make sure you are covered for any medical costs, no matter where you're going or how long you'll be there. Before you leave the country, check with your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

Other health issues in Gabon

UNAIDS estimates that 3.8% of the adult population of Gabon is living with HIV. You should take precautions to avoid being infected with HIV such as practising safer sex.

Protect your health in Gabon

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne illnesses in Gabon, including dengue fever, malaria, yellow fever and Zika, so it is a very good idea to avoid bites wherever possible. You should wear clothing with good limb coverage and use a reliable insect repellent. Sleep under nets wherever possible. And if a vaccine or prophylaxis is available, make use of it.

Dengue fever in Gabon

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

Malaria in Gabon

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Gabon 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 Gabon

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 Gabon. This condition is also known as bilharzia.

Zika in Gabon

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Gabon. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to Gabon. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.

yellow fever in Gabon