Risk / Health Info for Zimbabwe

Do I need injections for Zimbabwe?

Your shots should be up to date before you go to Zimbabwe, including measles and flu shots as well as cholera. Your Canadian Travel Clinics adviser can help if you need a tetanus booster, too. Protection against hepatitis A is also recommended, and there is a typhoid outbreak in Zimbabwe, so you should get vaccinated against these two unpleasant gastrointestinal illnesses.

If you plan to visit Zimbabwe frequently or stay for an extended period, consider getting a hepatitis B shot. People who should also protect themselves against hep B include children and people who work in a healthcare or dentistry. It is spread by contact with contaminated blood or body fluid, so hep B is also contracted through unprotected safe, dirty needles including those used for piercing or tattoos, and invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

Animals in Zimbabwe can carry rabies, so if you might be around animals – particularly bats and dogs – make sure your rabies shot is up to date. Children are especially vulnerable because they might get bitten while playing with animals. Always get prompt medical advice about an animal bite or scratch in Zimbabwe, even if you have already had your shot.

You might need to show your yellow fever certificate to prove you have been vaccinated against this mosquito-borne disease before you can enter Zimbabwe. Talk to a Canadian Travel Clinic adviser for advice if you need a shot, which will protect you for life.

Other health tips for Zimbabwe

Many mosquito-borne illnesses are present in Zimbabwe, including malaria and Zika. At least six weeks before you leave, consult your Canadian Travel Clinic adviser about anti-malaria pills. Avoid getting bitten by wearing neutral-coloured clothing that covers as much skin as possible, using a reliable insect repellent and sleeping under a net or in air-conditioned accommodation where possible.

To avoid “travellers’ diarrhea,” stick to safe food and water principles in Zimbabwe: if you can’t peel it or it hasn’t been boiled or cooked, don’t eat it, and drink commercially bottled water.

What healthcare facilities are there in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe has limited medical facilities and supplies. Make sure you have travel insurance that includes medical evacuation before you leave Canada. Check with your provincial or territorial health authorityfor more information. Also make sure you have sufficient cash on hand to cover any medical expenses.

The emergency number in Zimbabwe is 999, but note that emergency services might be limited.

Will I be able to get hold of any medications I need in Zimbabwe?

There are short supplies of pharmaceuticals in Zimbabwe so bring along everything you will need for the duration of your trip.

Altitude in Zimbabwe

Parts of Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe

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 Zimbabwe. This condition is also known as bilharzia.

Zika in Zimbabwe

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