Main health risks for Mozambique

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

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

Plague has been identified in the country, but the risk for travelers remains moderate.

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 poorest areas, with cyclical outbreaks. A cholera outbreak (2,600 cases and 42 deaths) is currently hitting 5 provinces in the north and centre of the country. The hardest-hit province is Zambezia, with 1,888 cases and 19 deaths from January 1st to mid-March, 2010. In order to minimize risks, it is recommended to wash hands thoroughly before meals and to use uncontaminated water.

The risk of bilharziosis exists, mainly in the Lake Malawi areas, in the Zambeze Valley and along the southern coast.

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

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

HIV/AIDS is, by far, the highest cause of mortality in Mozambique. AIDS is highly prevalent; 12% of the adult population (15-49) is HIV-positive. According to UNAIDS 1.5 millions people are HIV-positive in Mozambique.

Sporadic cases of meningitis may occur. 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.

Tuberculosis is frequent in the country.