Main health risks for Mauritania

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

Malaria mainly affects the southern area along the Senegal River, from Sélibaby to Keur-Massene (level-2 resistance). In Adrar and Inchiri, theorical risks exist (P. Vivax) but they are limited to the weeks following the first rains from August to the end of October, and from November to December. Malaria does not affect areas in the north of Dakhlet-Nouadhibou and Tiris-Zemmour.

Yellow fever is present in the country.

The zoonosis of Rift Valley Fever has been identified in southern Mauritania. This virus is transmitted to human by a bite of infected mosquito or by handling carcasses of infected animal or by ingestion of unpasteurized milk of contaminated animals. Usually, those infected either experience no symptoms or develop a mild form of the disease characterized fever, nausea, muscle pain, joint pain and headache. In few cases Rift valley fever can lead to an eye infection, or progress to hemorrhagic fever or brain inflammation.

Cases of leishmaniasis have been reported close to the Senegal and Mali borders. Leishmaniosis has two differente forms: cutaneous form which cause skin sore while the visceral leishmaniasis affect internal organs. This disease is transmitted by infected phlebotomine sand flies.

Animal rabies is endemic in the country. Stray dogs are regularly reported in the capital and on the beach.

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment

Diarrheic diseases are common. Cases of cholera have been reported in the Nouakchott district.

In 2009, 13 cases of polio were reported countrywide. From the beginning of 2010 to July 27th, 5 new cases have been reported. Poliomyelitis is an infectious disease transmitted via the oro-fecal route. It may cause paralysis. An efficient vaccine exists against this disease.

Hepatitis A and typhoid fever are endemic. Both are transmitted to human by ingestion of contaminated food or water.

Protect yourself carefully from heat and sun to avoid sunstrokes and burns. Extreme climatic conditions may represent a health risk for immuno-depressed persons, people having respiratory dysfunctions, people having cardio vascular problems or for the elderly.

Due to the risk other parasitic infestations, travelers are advised not to bathe in fresh waters (lake, rivers.) and should not walk bare-foot.

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

Tuberculosis is frequent in the country.

There are sporadic cases of meningitis. 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.