Risk / Health Info for Rwanda

What vaccinations should I get for Rwanda?

The shots you need for Rwanda are listed on this page. Your regular shots should be up to date if you plan to visit Rwanda. 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.

There is an elevated risk of contracting meningococcal meningitis in Rwanda 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 catch rabies in Rwanda?

It is possible to get rabies in Rwanda if an infected animal bites or licks you. Make sure your shot is up to date, especially if you will spend time in remote areas or work with animals. Always get immediate medical attention if you are bitten or scratched by an animal during your time in Rwanda, even if you have been vaccinated so that a healthcare professional can decide whether to recommend post-exposure rabies prophylaxis.

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

It is also wise to protect yourself against hepatitis B, especially if you plan to visit Rwanda 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.

Are there hospitals in Rwanda?

Medical facilities in Rwanda are limited. If you become seriously ill you may need to be taken to South Africa or Kenya. By law you must have health insurance for your time in Rwanda and you should make sure you have accessible funds to cover any healthcare you may need. 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.

The emergency number in Rwanda is 112.

Altitude in Rwanda

Parts of Rwanda 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 Rwanda

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Rwanda 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 Rwanda

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 Rwanda. This condition is also known as bilharzia.