Travel Vaccines and Advice for the Republic of the Congo

• Typhoid – Typhoid is transmitted via fecally contaminated food or water, causing severe symptoms. To prevent it, practice hand-washing, consume safe water and food, and consider vaccination, especially when travelling to high-risk areas.
• Cholera – Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria. It primary spreads through contaminated food or water. The cholera vaccine provides effective protection against this potentially life-threatening disease. It is recommended for travellers to regions with poor water and sanitation or where cholera is present.
• Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A, a liver infection caused by a contagious virus, can have severe symptoms. To prevent its spread, vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine is essential, along with maintaining hygiene practices. This vaccine effectively protects against infection.
• Yellow Fever – Vaccination is the cornerstone of yellow fever prevention. The live, attenuated yellow fever vaccine is highly effective and provides lifetime immunity. It is a crucial measure for individuals travelling to or residing in areas where the disease is endemic, as it combats the primary mode of transmission via infected mosquitoes.
• Rabies – Rabies is a deadly virus transmitted through animal bites, affecting the nervous system. The rabies vaccine, given before or after potential exposure, prevents the virus from developing into active disease. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended for high-risk groups like travellers, while post-exposure shots are crucial after suspected rabies exposure.
• Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B vaccine is a potent shield against this liver virus, recommended for all travellers and crucial for healthcare workers. Alongside vaccination, practicing safe sex and avoiding needle sharing are essential in hepatitis B prevention.
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly infectious diseases that can lead to complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. To combat these threats, vaccination with the MMR vaccine is imperative. This two-dose vaccine not only shields individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to the 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.

Antimalarials are recommended for travellers to all regions of the Republic of the Congo. Chloroquine resistance is present in the country. Atovaquone, doxycycline, mefloquine and tafenoquine are suggested as antimalarials if travelling to the region. Consult with a travel health specialist on which antimalarial will best fit your needs.

Protect yourself from bug bites by wearing long clothing and using PHAC-recommended repellents like DEET or picaridin. Avoid bug-prone areas during peak hours to reduce the risk.

When travelling, prioritize food safety with PHAC’s advice: consume fully cooked foods, avoid raw seafood, and pick clean eateries. Opt for bottled drinks, exercise caution with ice, and practice responsible alcohol consumption. Prevent travellers’ diarrhea by maintaining good hand hygiene and avoiding street food in unsanitary conditions.

• African Sleeping Sickness – African Trypanosomiasis, a tropical disease, spreads through tsetse fly bites. Protective clothing and insect repellent are key in prevention.
• African Tick-Bite Fever – African Tick-Bite Fever (ATBF) is caused by tick bites in sub-Saharan Africa. To prevent infection, wear long sleeves, use DEET-based repellents, and check for ticks regularly. Consult healthcare experts for advice if travelling to endemic regions.
• Dengue – Dengue fever is a significant global health concern. Symptoms can escalate from mild fever to life-threatening conditions. Preventing mosquito bites is key to avoidance, with recommendations including repellent and netting use.
• Ebola – To combat Ebola, it’s essential to understand its transmission through direct contact with infected substances. Vaccination and hand hygiene are key prevention strategies if residing in an endemic area.
• Mpox – Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare viral disease in Africa. It has spread to some other regions of the world. Preventive measures include avoiding infected animals or people and practicing good hygiene. Vaccination against smallpox can offer some protection.
• 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.