Risk / Health Info for Djibouti

What shots do I need for Djibouti?

Make sure your shots are up to date before you go to Djibouti. Canadian Travel Clinics can recommend additional vaccinations that will keep you healthy when you are there, including hepatitis A, typhoid and cholera. These are unpleasant gastrointestinal illnesses spread by contaminated water and food. You can further reduce the risk of “travellers’ diarrhea” by making sure you drink commercially bottled water in Djibouti, including in your ice cubes, and sticking to foods you can peel or that have been cooked or boiled.

Djibouti 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.

Should I get vaccinated against hepatitis B before going to Djibouti?

Regular travellers and long-stay visitors should consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, which is spread by contact with contaminated blood or body products. Other groups at risk include children and healthcare workers. If you think you are at elevated risk of exposure to hep B, tell your Canadian Travel Clinics adviser.

Are there hospitals in Djibouti?

If you require hospital treatment, you will have to pay for it up front in cash. Remember to get adequate health insurance coverage before you leave Canada, so check with your provincial or territorial health authority.

The emergency number in Djibouti is 35 09 62 or 35 27 12.

Health risks in Djibouti

About 2.5% of the adult population of Djibouti is living with HIV. You should take normal precautions to avoid infection.

Travellers to Djibouti are at risk of several mosquito-borne illnesses, including malaria and dengue fever. Practise mosquito avoidance with a reliable insect repellent and by covering up as much as possible. Sleep under a net if practical.

Dengue fever in Djibouti

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Djibouti 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 Djibouti

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 Djibouti. This condition is also known as bilharzia.