Africa South of Sahara

Congo

The Republic of Congo is a developing nation in central Africa. Civil conflict in 1997, late 1998 and early 1999 damaged parts of the capital and large areas in the southwest area of the country. Peace accords, which concluded in late 1999, have largely brought an end to the conflict, and no new hostilities have occurred. Restoration is now underway in Brazzaville and other cities; however, facilities for tourists remain limited.

CRIME: In the Republic of Congo, petty street crime targeting foreigners is relatively rare, but nighttime muggings sometimes occur, especially in Pointe Noire.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities were limited before the civil wars and have worsened as a consequence of the fighting. Some medicine is in short supply, particularly outside the larger cities. Travellers should carry their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines.

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 in arid areas
• Relapsing fever
• Epidemic typhus
• Yellow fever
• Onchocerciasis
• Trypanosomiasis

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

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 13-Feb-2003 • İtraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster

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