Main health risks for Comoros

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

Malaria is present in the whole archipelago. Strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3). In Comoros, malaria is the highest cause of mortality. From January to July 2011, more than 100,000 malaria cases have been reported.

Some countries of the Indian Ocean (Mauritius, Seychelles, Reunion) have reported cases of chikungunya. Currently, the area is going through an interepidemic phase during which the virus is transmitted only sporadically. Chikungunya causes an illness with symptoms similar to dengue fever.

Dengue fever outbreaks occur regularly. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease. Symptoms are fever, headache, rash, muscle and joint pain, nausea and, in severe cases, hemorrhagic manifestations.

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment

Diarrheic diseases are frequent. A cholera outbreak is currently under way, with over 500 cases reported between June and July 2008, mainly in Ngazidja. Transmission to humans occurs through eating food or drinking water contaminated.

An outbreak of typhoid fever has been reported on the island since the beginning of year 2007.

Due to the risk of parasites, travelers are advised not to bathe in fresh waters (lake, rivers) or walk barefoot.

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

Tuberculosis is frequent in the country.