Main health risks for Democratic Republic of Congo

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

The country's health situation and hygiene conditions make it a potentially risky destination for travelers. Malaria, intestinal infections, STDs (including AIDS) and car accidents are the main risks threatening visitors.

The whole country is malarial; strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3). Malaria remains one of the primary causes of mortality in Democratic Republic of Congo, especially among pregnant women and young children.

Outbreaks of yellow fever can occur at any time. The latest case of yellow fever was reported in June 2010 in the Bas-Uélé district of Orientale Province (Northern DRC).

Focal spots of plague have been localized in Ituri (north-eastern DRC) around the axis Bunia-Lotho. The last outbreak of pneumonic plague occurred in the Haut-Uele district in 2006 (1200 cases, 50 deaths).

Cases of Lassa fever occur regularly. It is a viral hemorrhagic fever hosted by a rodent. Around 8 in 10 people infected with Lassa virus develop mild or no symptoms, but in 20 percent of cases people will have severe illness. Symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, a cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle pain.

There are cases of animal rabies in the country.

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment

Diarrheic diseases are frequent among travelers who do not take precautions.

Cholera is endemic in the eastern parts of the country. The cholera outbreak that started in April 2011 in Kisangani (east of the country) has spread westward and has reached Kinshasa, the capital city. 6,910 cases (384 deaths) have been reported as of October 7th, 2011. In order to minimize risks, it is recommended to wash hands thoroughly before meals, and to use uncontaminated water.

In 2010, 100 cases of polio were reported countrywide compared to only 3 cases identified in 2009. In 2011, 89 cases have been reported in DR Congo. Poliomyelitis is an infectious disease transmitted via the oro-fecal route. It may cause paralysis. An efficient vaccine exists against this disease.

The incidence of typhoid fever is significant in the suburbs of Kinshasa(immunization necessary). Between October 2004 and January 2005, the World Health Organization reported more than 42 500 cases and 214 deaths and 696 severe cases of intestinal perforation in Kinshasa.

Due to the risk of schistosomiasis, leptospirosis and other parasitic infestations, travelers are advised not to bathe in fresh waters (lake, rivers) or walk barefoot.

Due to the risk of hemorrhagic fever, travelers should avoid eating bush meat.

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

According to UNAIDS-WHO, the country is facing a growing HIV/AIDS epidemic, with an estimated national average adult prevalence of 4% and 1.19 million people living with HIV/AIDS at the end of 2005.

The latest outbreak of Ebola hemorrhagic fevers ended in February 2009; health authorities reported a total of 32 cases, including 15 deaths in the province of Kasai occidental. Among humans, the Ebola virus is transmitted by direct contact with infected body fluids. An infection is equally possible through the handling of infected chimpanzees, gorillas, and forest antelopes - whether dead or alive.

Cases of Marburg fever occur regularly. The disease is transmitted to human by contact with contaminated body fluids. Be aware that caves and mines shelter bats, which are a reservoir for the Marburg virus. The virus infects both human and nonhuman primates.

The risk of meningitis can not be ruled out. Meningococcal meningitis is a disease characterized by sudden fever, intense headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck and a rash. The fatality rate is usually 5-15 percent. Transmission occurs by inhaling the bacteria, direct mouth-to-mouth contact with an infected person or contamination by an infected person's nasal secretions.

A measles epidemic hits the Democratic Republic of Congo. From September 2010 to the end of July 2011, over 115,000 measles cases (1,145 deaths) have been reported. Measles is an infectious disease transmitted through contact with the nose and throat discharges of an infected person, for instance when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The disease mainly affects young 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.