Main health risks for Gabon

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

Malaria affects the whole country; strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone-3 classification).

Yellow fever is endemic in the country.

Ebola outbreaks are regularly reported in inland areas but they usually affect animals. Among humans, the virus is transmitted by direct contact with infected body fluids. The infection of human cases with Ebola virus has been reported through the handling of infected chimpanzees, gorillas, and forest antelopes - both dead and alive -. Due to that risk, travelers are advised not to eat bush meat.

The presence of chikungunya has been officially confirmed on May 10, 2007. Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne disease. Symptoms are fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea and, in severe cases, the pain associated with the infection of the joints persists for weeks or months.

There are cases of animal rabies in the country.

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment

Diarrheal diseases are frequent among travelers who are not accustomed to local food or who do not take precautions.

The risk of bilharziosis must be taken into account. Due to that risk, travelers are advised not to bathe in fresh waters (lake, rivers).

In 2011, one polio case has been recorded in Gabon. Poliomyelitis is an infectious disease transmitted via the oro-fecal route. It may cause paralysis. An efficient vaccine exists against this disease.

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

According to UNAIDS, the HIV prevalence among the adult population (15-49) is high: 5.9%. HIV is the highest cause of mortality in Gabon. Around 50 000 persons are living with HIV in the country. HIV is regularly associated with an increase in the number of tuberculosis cases.