Africa South of Sahara

Cote d'Ivoire

Cote d'Ivoire (a.k.a. Ivory Coast) is a developing country on the west coast of Africa. Tourism facilities in Abidjan are good; accommodations outside the capital, however, are limited in quality and availability. The ocean currents along the coast are extremely strong and treacherous and result in numerous drownings each year.

CRIME: Crime in Abidjan has increased over the past several years and is now at a critical level. Street crime of the "grab and run" variety, as well as pickpocketing in crowded areas, is widespread. Armed carjacking, robberies of businesses, and home invasions are on the rise, and are often targeted at expatriate residents who are seen to be wealthy. It is particularly dangerous to visit the Treichville, Adjame, Abobo, and the Plateau business districts after dark. The DeGaulle and Houphouet-Boigny bridges, which cross the lagoon in Abidjan, are dangerous areas for pedestrians, even in the daytime. Many hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and supermarkets provide security guards to protect clients and their vehicles.

Travellers should use caution when traveling outside Abidjan, especially through the central western region of Cote d'Ivoire, where an increased incidence of crime has been reported.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities in Cote d'Ivoire are adequate in Abidjan, but limited elsewhere. Many medicines are unavailable.

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:

Water- and foodborne diseases:

Other diseases:

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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