Risk / Health Info for Mauritania

Do I need injections for Mauritania?

What immunizations do you need for Mauritania? Our advisers can put together a travel health regime that meets all your needs. Make sure your shots are up to date before you go to Mauritania. 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 Mauritania, including in your ice cubes, and sticking to foods you can peel or that have been cooked or boiled.

You may need a yellow fever shot and a certificate for when you travel on from Mauritania: ask your adviser at Canadian Travel Clinics whether this is appropriate for you.

Do I need the hepatitis B shot before I go to Mauritania?

It is also wise to protect yourself against hepatitis B, especially if you plan to visit Mauritania often or stay for a long time. Children are also at risk of hep B, as are people who work in healthcare or dentistry. It is contracted by contact with blood or body fluid, including via unprotected sex or unsterilized needles.

What are the hospital facilities like in Mauritania?

Health facilities in Mauritania are limited outside Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. Expect to pay cash for medical care – euros or dollars may be accepted, but foreign insurance cards may not be welcome. 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.

Look after yourself in Mauritania

In Mauritania’s hot, dry climate it is very important to stay hydrated. Keep your fluid intake high, and ensure you get enough salt.

Dengue fever in Mauritania

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Mauritania 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 Mauritania

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 Mauritania. This condition is also known as bilharzia.