Health


GENERAL INFORMATION
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) lies in the heart of central Africa. Weather in the western and central areas is hot and humid from November to May with occasional periods of torrential rains. June to September is typically drier with little rain and cooler evenings.
Medical care in DRC is substandard throughout the country including in Kinshasa. Adequate evacuation coverage for all travelers is a high priority.
Visa applicants may need to meet specific requirements. Review the application and contact the Democratic Republic of Congo's embassy if you have questions.


VACCINES and MALARIA

Yellow fever: The Democratic Republic of Congo requires yellow fever vaccination for all travelers over 1 year of age.
International health authorities consider the Democratic Republic of Congo to be a yellow fever "infected" country because human cases of the disease have been reported in the territory north of 10°S latitude. Authorities also consider it "endemic" because the potential for disease transmission exists in areas that may not currently report human cases.

Other vaccines: Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against hepatitis A, typhoid, hepatitis B, rabies, meningococcal meningitis, influenza, or a one-time polio booster if you haven't previously received one for travel. Cholera vaccine is not indicated for travelers except for the special circumstance of aid and refugee workers. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.

Malaria: Risk (predominantly P. falciparum) exists throughout the year in the whole country. Medicines that protect against malaria in this area include mefloquine (Lariam), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone). The best drug for you depends on your itinerary and on a number of personal factors that should be discussed between you and your health care provider.
Because no malaria drug is 100% effective, if you have traveled in an area of malaria risk, seek immediate medical attention for any fever or flu-like illness occurring within 3 months of your return home. Be sure to tell your health care provider your travel history.

OTHER HEALTH ISSUES

• Insect-borne diseases: Mosquitoes and flies transmit a variety of diseases in DRC, including yellow fever, malaria, African trypanosomiasis, and leishmaniasis. Personal protective measures are extremely important since insects cannot be avoided.
• Food- and water-borne diseases: Quite a few diseases, including hepatitis A and typhoid fever, are transmitted by unsanitary food handling procedures and contaminated water. Food and beverage precautions are essential in order to reduce chance of illness. Anti-diarrheal drugs may be prescribed by your provider.
• Tuberculosis is common in all developing countries. However, this country has a prevalence of over 100 cases per 100,000 population, the highest WHO risk category. Travelers planning to stay more than 3 months should have pre-departure PPD skin test status documented. Travelers should avoid crowded public places and public transportation whenever possible. Domestic help should be screened for TB.
• Schistosomiasis is present and is transmitted in freshwater lakes and rivers by larvae which penetrate intact skin.
• Sporadic, rare Ebola activity occurs. Transmission is via direct contact with blood or body fluids of acutely ill patients.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities are limited, and medicine is in short supply. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Other Health Information sources: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's International Traveler's.

Source: Centers for Disease Control & Travel Health Online.

See also Health Centres