Democratic Republic of the Congo

Yellow fever

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travellers over 9 months of age. The country has a risk of transmission and vaccination is recommended.

Cholera

Cholera is spread by the consumption of contaminated food and water. Vaccination is recommended, especially if you intend to travel to rural areas where the disease is widespread and there is limited access to clean water.

Hepatitis A and B

Hepatitis A is usually transmitted by contaminated food and water, or close physical contact with an infected person, whereas Hepatitis B is transmitted by exposure to infected body fluids and blood.

Meningococcus

Meningitis is endemic throughout the country. Pre-travel consultation to evaluate vaccination requirements is strongly recommended.

Polio

Polio is typically transmitted by contaminated food and water and can be caused by three different types of polio viruses. Infections caused by one type of virus do not protect against the others.

Rabies

Infection typically occurs through contact with the saliva of an infected animal, usually caused by bites, scratches or licks near open wounds or mucous membranes (e.g. mouth, nose, eyes). The most common vectors are dogs and bats, but cases of infection in other domestic animals have also been reported.

Typhus

Bacterial in origin, typhoid fever is transmitted through contaminated food and drink, especially in regions with inadequate sanitary conditions.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an airborne disease of bacterial origin. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers at risk of developing severe symptoms or coming into contact with infected individuals. It is also recommended for all travellers under the age of 16, who plan to stay in the country for more than 3 months.

Malaria

Malaria is transmitted by the bites of infected mosquitos and is widespread throughout the country. As a vaccine is still not available, you must take careful precautions to avoid mosquito bites and in some cases it may be necessary to take antimalarial medication, after thorough evaluation by a qualified doctor.

Chikungunya, Dengue

These diseases are spread by the bites of infected mosquitos and there are no vaccines. Consequently, it is important to adopt careful behavioural and preventive measures.

Insect bites and stings

Diseases such as Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever, Rift Valley Fever, Leishmaniasis, African trypanosomiasis and West Nile virus, are present in some parts of Central Africa. As these diseases are transmitted by insect bites and there are no vaccines, it is important to adopt careful behavioural and preventive measures.

The following vaccinations are strongly recommended as these diseases can be contracted anywhere in the world. Experts advise that you protect yourself and other travellers by making sure you are up-to-date with all of the recommended vaccinations. This will allow you to travel safely, while minimising the risk of exposure to infection.

• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Meningococcus B and ACWY
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella