Risk / Health Info for Congo

What vaccines do I need for Congo (Brazzaville) and Congo (Kinshasa) (Brazzaville) and Congo (Kinshasa)?

The health requirements for this region are complex, but our experts can help you put together the best health regime for you, ensuring that you have all the shots you need. Your healthcare adviser at Canadian Travel Clinics can help you make sure your regular shots are up to date before you go to Congo (Brazzaville) and Congo (Kinshasa). You should also consider vaccinations to prevent hepatitis A and typhoid, to avoid these gastrointestinal illnesses caused by contaminated food and water. Avoid other causes of “travellers’ diarrhea” by making sure you drink commercially bottled water in Congo (Brazzaville) and Congo (Kinshasa), and by sticking to foods you can peel or that have been cooked or boiled. Wash your hands frequently.

Congo (Brazzaville) and Congo (Kinshasa) are 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.

What health risks are there in Congo (Brazzaville) and Congo (Kinshasa)?

Instability in this region means that there are a number of dangers to your health. Cases of plague, Ebola and Africa sleeping sickness have been reported in recent years, and also packs of rabid dogs, so consider rabies shots for your party. Children are often more at risk of getting injured by an animal and need a rabies shot. Runners and cyclists are also common victims of animal bites. Always get prompt medical care if you have been bitten, or scratched by an animal in Congo (Brazzaville) and Congo (Kinshasa), even if you’ve had your shot, as you may need post-exposure rabies prophylaxis.

What medical facilities are there in Congo (Brazzaville) and Congo (Kinshasa)?

Health services are limited in Congo (Brazzaville) and Congo (Kinshasa) and you will have to be evacuated if you are seriously ill. It’s recommended you purchase travel insurance before you leave Canada. Contact your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

Have there been any diseases outbreaks recently in Congo?

A polio outbreak occurred in early 2017 in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Ask your Canadian Travel Clinics adviser if you should have a booster.

As of mid-2017 there were reports of unidentified illnesses with hemorrhagic symptoms similar to Ebola. These mostly occur in remote and hard-to-reach areas and the World Health Organization has not placed any restrictions on trade or travel. Check local news sources before travelling. Avoid eating bushmeat of any kind as this may be a source of Ebola infection. If you become ill on your return home, seek medical advice immediately.

Dengue fever in Congo

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Congo 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 Congo

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 Congo. This condition is also known as bilharzia.

yellow fever in Congo