Risk / Health Info for Uganda

Do I need vaccines for Uganda?

Your Canadian Travel Clinic adviser can help you make sure you have the right shots to protect you when you go to Uganda, including polio and measles. You can also prevent gastrointestinal illnesses caused by hepatitis A, cholera and typhoid with vaccinations.

Uganda 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.

Hepatitis B vaccines are recommended for children, people planning to visit Uganda often or stay a long time, and people who work in healthcare or dentistry. Hep B is also contracted by contact with blood or body fluid, so it can be spread by unprotected sex, dirty needles, and invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

Animals in Uganda can carry rabies. If you are visiting remote areas or will be around animals, make sure you have been vaccinated. Children should be vaccinated as they are vulnerable to bites when playing with animals. Always get prompt medical attention for any animal bite or scratch in Uganda, even if you have had your shots.

You may need to show your yellow fever certificate when you enter Uganda. Consult your Canadian Travel Clinic adviser for information about whether you need another one, or if you have not had your shot yet. It will protect you for life.

Other ways to protect your health in Uganda

Mosquito-borne illnesses including malaria, Zika and chikungunya are present in Uganda. Protect yourself from bites by using a reliable insect repellent, wearing clothes that cover as much skin as possible, and sleeping under a bednet or in air-conditioned accommodation where possible. At least six weeks before you go to Uganda, visit your Canadian Travel Clinic for information on anti-malaria pills.

There is still a risk of onchocerciasis, or river blindness, from blackfly bites in Uganda.

Reduce the risk of “travellers’ diarrhea” by relying on commercially bottled water and not eating food that you cannot peel or that has not been cooked or boiled.

What kind of medical care is available in Uganda?

Uganda has limited healthcare facilities especially outside Kampala. Bring along enough prescription medicines to last your whole trip. You should have health insurance that includes evacuation before you go to Uganda, so check with your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

Altitude in Uganda

Parts of Uganda 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 Uganda

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Uganda 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 Uganda

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 Uganda. This condition is also known as bilharzia.

Chikungunya virus in Uganda

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Uganda. It is spread by day-biting mosquitoes and you can guard against infection by covering up and using mosquito repellents. Infection results in joint pains, fever, rash and headache. It clears up after a few days, but some patients are left with swollen and painful joints for weeks or even years afterwards.

polio in Uganda

tuberculosis in Uganda

Zika in Uganda

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Uganda. 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 Uganda. 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.