Main health risks for Liberia

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

The whole country is malarial, with all-year-round transmission; strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3).

Onchocerciasis (river blindness) is transmitted by contaminated black flies. the disease cause subcutaneous nodules which can progress to visual loss.

There is a permanent risk of yellow fever and Lassa fever outbreaks. Both are viral hemorrhagic fevers, the former is transmitted by infected mosquitoes while the latter is hosted by a rodent. To minimize the risk of Lassa fever infection, travelers should avoid walking bare-foot.

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.

Outbreaks of cholera may occur at any time.

In 2009, 11 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.

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

There is a risk of bilharziosis in the whole country, particularly in the counties of Bong, Lofa and Nimba. Due to the risk of bilharziosis, travelers are advised not to bathe in fresh waters (lake, rivers).

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

HIV is highly prevalent ; according to UNAIDS, 2% of the adult population (15-49) is HIV-positive. HIV is regularly associated with an increase in tuberculosis. In Liberia, 40 000 persons are living with HIV. HIV/AIDS is one of the highest cause of mortality in the country.

Tuberculosis is frequent in the country.

Ebola is endemic in Liberia. 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 -.