Prepare for the trip

Health Information for Africa

If you plan on traveling to Africa, it is recommended that you book travel insurance that covers medical fees and health-related repatriation. In some countries such as South Africa, there are not many healthcare systems in rural areas, but cities have high-quality hospitals and, in particular, private clinics, which can end up being very expensive.

Which vaccines for traveling to Africa?

Vaccinations are to be expected, depending on your destination in Africa. If you are going to Sub-Saharan Africa, vaccinations against yellow fever are required for most countries. Those against meningitis are, in turn, highly recommended for certain areas of the Savanna and the Sahel: western Senegal, eastern Ethiopia, northern Cameroon...

Depending on the duration, frequency, and hygienic conditions of the stay, other vaccines may be recommended against :

Typhoid fever ;
Hepatitis A and B ;
Tuberculosis ;
Rabies.

Updating certain vaccines may also be required, especially for diphtheria-tetanus-polio (DTP) and measles.

Preventing infectious and parasitic diseases in Africa

Malaria is prevalent in all parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. The transfer of dengue fever, chikungunya, as well as the Zika virus (especially Cape Verde) by mosquitoes is also possible. Protective measures should be imposed, including :

Mosquito repellent (lotion or spray) ;
Mosquito nets ;
Clothing that covers the body, etc.

Medical treatment catered to each traveler is also recommended.

Furthermore, tuberculosis can be found in some countries. Please make sure prior to your departing flight from Lyon that young children, in particular, are properly vaccinated by the BCG. Hygienic regulations should also be respected in order to avoid catching infectious diseases such as cholera or simply traveler's diarrhea, which is rampant in some countries; drink bottled mineral water, wash your hands often, avoid uncooked food...

Note that the Ebola virus is also present in some African countries, as well as cases of avian flu and Coronavirus (North Africa); contact with animals is to be avoided.