Main health risks for Cote d'Ivoire

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

The whole country is infected with malaria. Strains are very resistant to chloroquine (zone 3). Malaria is the second highest cause of morbidity and mortality in Cote d'Ivoire.

Cases of yellow fever are regularly reported. Since November 2009, a yellow fever outbreak rages in the Denguele region located in the north of the country (12 confirmed cases and 21 deaths).

Trypanosomiasis can be of concern for the traveler in case of a long stay in a rural area, particularly in the center of the country. The disease is transmitted by the bite of the tsetse fly. Symptoms begin with fever and headache continues with mental confusions, insomnia during nighttime and daytime slumber. If not treated, the disease can be fatal.

There are cases of animal rabies in the country.

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment

Diarrheic diseases are frequent.

In 2009, 27 cases of polio were reported countrywide. Poliomyelitis is an infectious disease transmitted via the oro-fecal route. It may cause paralysis. An efficient vaccine exits against this disease.

Cases of bilharziosis have been reported in Abidjan, Adzope, Man, Danane, Korhogoand on the shores of lake Kossou. Although it has a low mortality rate, bilharziosis is a parasitic disease that can damage internal organs. Due to that risk, travelers must ban bathing in lakes or ponds.

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

Protect yourself carefully from heat and sun to avoid sunstrokes and burns.

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

The AIDS epidemic is preoccupying; over 3.9% of the adult population is HIV-positive. Around 500 000 persons are living with HIV. HIV/AIDS is the highest cause of morbidity and mortality in Cote d'Ivoire.

The country is currently affected by the ongoing outbreak of influenza A / H1N1, but its severity does not appear different from the rest of the world. Worldwide, the vast majority of H1N1 illnesses have been mild, and most deaths have occurred among pregnant women or among people with underlying medical conditions, including respiratory conditions, diabetes, heart disease and immune deficiency.