Africa South of Sahara

Central african Republic

The Central African Republic (CAR) is a developing African country. Facilities for tourism are limited. The Dzanga-Sangha National Park, a primeval rain forest in the southwest region of the country, is an attractive site for eco-tourism. Big game hunting is a significant tourist attraction. Expeditions are available in the country's northern and eastern provinces through licensed companies in the CAR. The capital is Bangui.

CRIME: Street crime does occur in downtown Bangui, although it is uncommon. Armed gangs operate in outlying residential areas, although police anti-crime efforts have, to some extent, reduced this problem. Armed highway robbery in rural areas is common, especially during the December through May dry season, but it has been curbed by the presence of CAR military escorts.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities are limited, and the quality of acute care is unreliable. Sanitation levels are low. Many medicines are not available; travelers should carry any needed, properly-labeled, medicines and medications with them.

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 ong-sleeved shirt and long pants to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects (e.g., malaria, dengue, filariasis, leishmaniasis, and onchocerciasis)
• Usage og 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 ofa bed net impregnated with the insecticide permethrin.
• Staying and sleeping in air-conditioned houses

Arthropodborne diseases:

• Malaria below 2600 m. altitude
• Epidemic typhus
• Filariasis
• Leishamaniasis in arid areas
• Relapsing fever
• Onchocerciasis
• Trypanosomiasis
• Yellow fever.

Water- and foodborne diseases:

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

Other diseases:

• Hepatitis B
• Trachoma
• HIV
• Polio
• Schistosomiasis (Bilharziasis)
• Meningitis
• Rabies

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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