Congo, Democratic Republic of the Health

Health

Degree of risk: very high food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: malaria, plague, and African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) are high risks in some locations water contact disease: schistosomiasis (2004) The Democratic Republic of the Congo should be considered a high-risk destination, particularly outside Kinshasa, Goma and Kisangani. Certain regions are controlled by rebel forces and cease fire agreements are weak. Several countries (e.g. Germany) have issued a travel warning. A UN peace keeping mission is trying to prevent warfare. The European Union is going to send 1,500 soldiers to Kinshasa for the national election in summer 2006. Before and during the election tension will defintely rise. Public transport is also unreliable at best, predominantly due to a lack of safety eqipment. Congo is malarial, so use insect repellent and take necessary precautions. Seek advice from a physician before visiting. Hygiene is not good, so beware of food and catering. It is dangerous to go to local town hospitals in towns since they are not hygienic and are often without a registered doctor. Needles are also unsafe because of the lack of sterilization. Ebola outbreaks have recently been reported in some areas. If you need emergency medical assistance, it is advised that you go to your nation's embassy. The embassy doctors are normally willing and skilled enough to help.

[ World Health Orginisation ]

[ Hospital of Tropical Diseases ]