Main health risks in Angola

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

Malaria is present throughout the year, in the whole country, and strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3). Malaria is by far the highest cause of morbidity and mortality in Angola.

Outbreaks of yellow fever can occur at any time.

Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) is endemic in the north of the country. From January to June 2011, 76 cases have been reported. The disease is transmitted by the bite of the tsetse fly. Symptoms begin with fever and headache, continue with mental confusion, insomnia during nighttime and daytime slumber. If not treated, the disease can be fatal.

Plague has been identified in Angola, but the risk for travelers remains limited.

Rabies is endemic in the country. From January to May 2010, 78 people died from the disease.

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment

Gastric diseases are common among tourists who are not accustomed to local food or who do not take precautions.

In 2010, 33 cases of polio were reported countrywide compared to 29 in 2009. In 2011, five polio cases have been recorded in Angola. Poliomyelitis is an infectious disease transmitted via the oro-fecal route. It may cause paralysis. An efficient vaccine exists against this disease.

Due to the risk of leptospirosis, travelers are advised not to bathe in fresh waters (lake, rivers.)

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

In Angola, the risk of Marburg fever can not be ruled out.

HIV is prevalent; according to UNAIDS, 2.1% of the adult population (15-49) is HIV-positive. HIV is regularly associated with an increase in tuberculosis cases.

On May 9th, health officials announced that a measles outbreak is ongoing in the province of Cabinda (northern Angola). At least 445 cases have been identified (26 deaths). Measles is an infectious disease that is spread through contact with the nose and throat discharges of an infected person and is mostly spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The disease mainly affects children and remains a leading cause of infant mortality. Symptoms of measles are high temperature, skin eruptions, pimples, sore eyes and cough. An efficient vaccine exists against the disease.