Risk / Health Info for Nigeria

What vaccinations do I need for Nigeria?

You will need a few shots for Nigeria, including typhoid, tetanus and yellow fever. Your regular vaccinations should be up to date before you go to Nigeria. Your healthcare adviser can tell you about injections that will prevent hepatitis A and typhoid. There have been outbreaks of cholera recently, and a shot for cholera is available. These three unpleasant gastrointestinal illnesses are 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.

Nigeria 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.

Can I get medical care in Nigeria?

Medical facilities in Nigeria can be basic. The British High Commission publishes a complete list of medical faculties and practitioners in Nigeria. Travel insurance is vital for a trip to Nigeria.

Protect your health in Nigeria

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne illnesses in Nigeria, including malaria, dengue fever and yellow fever, so it is a very good idea to avoid bites wherever possible. Opt for clothing with long sleeves and legs and treat with reliable insect repellent. Sleep under nets wherever possible. And if a vaccine or prophylaxis is available, use it.

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

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

Malaria in Nigeria

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Nigeria 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 Nigeria

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 Nigeria. This condition is also known as bilharzia.

Altitude in Nigeria

Parts of Nigeria 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.

Dengue fever in Nigeria

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

yellow fever in Nigeria