Risk / Health Info for Cote D'ivoire

What inoculations do I need for Côte d’Ivoire?

In addition to your regular shots, which should be up to date before you leave for Côte d’Ivoire, consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A. These unpleasant gastrointestinal diseases are easily picked up in areas with poor sanitation and are spread by contaminated food and water. Stick to commercially bottled water in Côte d’Ivoire and avoid using ice in drinks. Be sure to practise good hand hygiene.

It is possible to get rabies in Côte d’Ivoire 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 Côte d’Ivoire, even if you have been vaccinated so that a healthcare professional can decide whether to recommend post-exposure rabies prophylaxis.

Côte d’Ivoire 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.

Do I need a hepatitis B shot?

You might also consider a hepatitis B shot, especially if you plan to visit Côte d’Ivoire often or stay for an extended period. Hep B shots are recommended for children, too, and anyone who might come in contact with blood or body fluids such as people working in healthcare or dentistry. Hep B is also spread by unprotected sex and poorly sterilized needles.

What hospital facilities are there in Côte d’Ivoire?

You will get a reasonable standard of healthcare in the capital Abidjan if you pay for it. There are few emergency facilities. It is important to have good travel insurance for Côte d’Ivoire as you may have to be repatriated for treatment. You will also need travel insurance to make sure you are covered for any medical costs, so check with your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

The emergency number in Côte d’Ivoire is 180.

Mosquito avoidance in Côte d’Ivoire

When you go to Côte d’Ivoire you are at risk of several mosquito-borne illnesses, including malaria, dengue fever and yellow fever by using a reliable insect repellent and covering up as much as possible. Ensure you sleep under nets, too.

Dengue fever in Cote D'ivoire

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Cote D'ivoire. 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 Cote D'ivoire

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Cote D'ivoire 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 Cote D'ivoire

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 Cote D'ivoire. This condition is also known as bilharzia.