Travel Vaccines and Advice for the Democratic Republic of the Congo

• Typhoid – Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, typically spread through contaminated food or water, leading to fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The typhoid vaccine provides immunity against this bacteria, significantly reducing the risk of contracting the disease, especially in areas where typhoid is common.
• Hepatitis A – The hepatitis A virus is highly contagious, primarily transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close contact. To prevent infection, practice good hygiene and get vaccinated.
• Polio – Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that potentially leads to permanent paralysis. The polio vaccine provides highly effective immunity against the poliovirus.
• Yellow Fever – Yellow fever, a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, causes a range of symptoms, including jaundice and bleeding. Preventing it is crucial. The yellow fever vaccine is administered at least 10 days before travel to endemic areas, providing long-lasting immunity and playing a vital role in controlling the virus’s spread.
• Rabies – Rabies, a deadly viral infection, spreads through the saliva of infected animals via bites or scratches. Timely vaccination is crucial to prevent the disease in humans. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for high-risk individuals, while post-exposure prophylaxis is essential after potential exposure.
• Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, caused by the hepatitis B virus, spreads through infected bodily fluids. While safe practices can reduce the risk, vaccination is the most reliable defense. The hepatitis B vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies, ensuring robust and long-lasting protection against this liver disease.
• Meningitis – Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, often caused by viral or bacterial infections, and can be life-threatening. The meningitis vaccine protects against various strains of meningitis-causing bacteria, stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies, thereby preventing infection and its serious complications.
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are infectious diseases that can easily spread. Vaccination remains the primary defense against these threats. The MMR vaccine, with its two-dose regimen, is a reliable way to bolster immunity and reduce the risk of infection and outbreaks.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Travellers are advised to receive the vaccine at least 10 days before arrival in the country. Vaccination is also recommended by the PHAC and WHO to protect travellers from the virus.

Malaria is present in all regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Travellers are advised to take antimalarials to protect themselves from infection. Atovaquone, doxycycline, mefloquine and tafenoquine are recommended for travellers to the region. Malaria parasites in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are resistant to chloroquine. Speak with your travel health specialist to identify which antimalarial is best for your trip and medical history.

To fend off bug bites, follow PHAC advice: cover up with long clothing, use repellents containing DEET or picaridin, and avoid bug-heavy areas during dawn and dusk. Protect your sleep with insect-repellent-treated bed nets.

Safeguard your health while abroad by researching local cuisine, avoiding tap water, and practicing hand hygiene. Choose reputable eateries, be cautious with ice, and drink in moderation.

At high altitudes, altitude sickness can strike, manifesting as headaches, dizziness, and nausea due to oxygen deprivation. Preventive measures include gradual ascent, hydration, and medication like acetazolamide. If symptoms develop, immediate descent to lower altitudes is essential, along with rest and medical evaluation if symptoms persist.

• African Sleeping Sickness – Preventing African Sleeping Sickness involves wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent to avoid tsetse fly bites, which transmit the disease.
• African Tick-Bite Fever – ATBF, transmitted by ticks in sub-Saharan Africa, can be prevented by wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks. For additional protection, inquire about available options from healthcare experts before travelling to affected areas.
• Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever – Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever is a tick-borne disease that can be transmitted between humans through bodily fluids. Preventive strategies comprise tick avoidance, healthcare worker safety measures, and research efforts towards a vaccine to halt its transmission.
• Dengue – According to the PHAC, dengue fever, caused by a virus from mosquito bites, manifests through fever, headaches, and severe muscle pain. Preventative measures include using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing. While no specific treatment exists, early medical intervention can mitigate severe complications.
• Ebola – Ebola, a deadly virus, spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. Prevention involves hand hygiene and avoiding individuals that are infected.
• Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever – The development of a Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever vaccine is underway, offering a potential defense against this deadly virus. MHF spreads through contact with infected animals or individuals, emphasizing the need for protective protocols.
• Mpox – In Central and West Africa, mpox is a rare disease with animal-to-human transmission. Prevention strategies encompass vaccination against smallpox, maintaining distance from infected animals, and following meticulous hygiene to reduce human transmission.
• Plague – Plague, caused by Yersinia pestis, can infect humans through flea bites and contact with infected animals. To prevent it, avoid rodent habitats and use insect repellent.
• Schistosomiasis – Schistosomiasis, a widespread parasitic disease transmitted through freshwater snails, requires awareness and precautionary actions. Prevention involves refraining from activities in contaminated water and wearing protective clothing. Early recognition of symptoms like fever and seeking medical attention are paramount for timely diagnosis and intervention, minimizing the severity of schistosomiasis-related complications and improving health outcomes.