Africa South of Sahara

Benin

Benin is a developing West African country. Its capital city is Porto Novo; however, the city of Cotonou is the main port and largest city, site of the international airport and most government, commercial, and tourist activity. Tourist facilities are available in Cotonou but are not fully developed elsewhere. The ocean currents along the coast are extremely strong and treacherous (a rough surf and a strong undertow) and result in several drownings each year.

CRIME: Street crime, especially within Cotonou, continues to rise. Most robberies and muggings occur along the Marina Boulevard and the beach near the hotels frequented by international visitors. Some of the reported incidents involve the use of force, often by armed persons, with occasional minor injury to the victim. Isolated areas are best avoided.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities in Benin are limited and not all medicines are available. Travellers should bring their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. Further information on prescription drugs is found in the section on import/export restrictions.

More than 25 mill. people are infected by HIV in the subsaharian Africa.

Arthropodborne diseases are a great problem in this region af Africa:

We recommend:

• Usage of long-sleeved shirt and long pants to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects
• Usage of insect repellent containing DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide), in 30%–35% strength for adults and 6%–10% for children. Unless you are staying in air-conditioned or well-screened housing
• Usage of a bed net impregnated with the insecticide permethrin.
• Staying and sleeping in air-conditioned houses

Arthropodborne diseases:

• Malaria below 2600 m altitude
• Filariasis
• Leishamaniasis
• Relapsing fever
• Epidemic typhus
• Onchocerciasis
• Yellow fever

Water- and foodborne diseases:

• Cholera
• Amoebiasis
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis E
• Typhoid fever
• Giardiasis
• ETEC E.coli

Other diseases:

• Hepatitis B
• Trachoma
• HIV
• Poliomyelitis
• Schistosomiasis (Bilharziasis)
• Meningitis

Vaccinations recommended:

• Yellow fever
• Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin (IG)
• Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
• Meningitis
• Typhoid fever - vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region
• Rabies - if risk for contact with wild or domestic animals
• A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within th last 10 years.

Stay healthy:

• Wash hands often with soap and water;
• Drink only boiled water, or water and carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans;
• Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes;
• Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it;
• Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents (applied sparingly at 4-hour intervals) and permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn;
• Prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot;
• Do not travel at night;
• Trafic accidents are frequent, be careful;
• Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases;
• Don't eat food purchased from street vendors;
• Use mefloquine as malaria prophylaxis.(Chloroquine resistance)

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Updated 28-Apr-2003 • İtraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster

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