Risk / Health Info for Equatorial Guinea

Do I need vaccinations for Equatorial Guinea?

What shots do you need for Equatorial Guinea? Our advisers can put together a travel health regime that meets all your needs. Your regular shots should be up to date if you plan to visit Equatorial Guinea. The hepatitis A and typhoidshots are recommended, as they can be contracted through food or water. Reduce the risk of “travellers’ diarrhea” by using only commercially bottled water for drinking and ice cubes. Don’t eat food that you have not peeled yourself or that has not been cooked or boiled.

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

Equatorial Guinea 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 a hepatitis B shot?

Travellers who plan to visit Equatorial Guinea often or stay an extended period should get the hepatitis B shot. Spread by contact with blood or body fluids, hep B is also a risk for people who work in healthcare or dentistry in Equatorial Guinea, or for anyone who comes in contact with unsterilized needles or engages in unprotected sex. Children are also at risk of hepatitis B through cuts and scrapes.

What hospital facilities are there in Equatorial Guinea?

There is a good hospital in Malabo called La Paz – but emergency coverage in the rest of the country is not up to Canadian standards. It is important to have good travel insurance when you go to Equatorial Guinea as you may need to be evacuated for treatment. If you travel outside Canada you need travel insurance to make sure you are covered for any medical costs, no matter where you're going or how long you'll be there. Before you leave the country, check with your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

The emergency number in Equatorial Guinea is 3101.

Altitude in Equatorial Guinea

Parts of Equatorial Guinea 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.

Dengue fever in Equatorial Guinea

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Equatorial Guinea 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 Equatorial Guinea

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 Equatorial Guinea. This condition is also known as bilharzia.