Main health risks for Sierra Leone

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

Malaria is present in the whole country and strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3). The country has one of the highest prevalence rate in the world.

There are regularly epidemics of yellow fever, particularly in the Kenema district. In February 2011, two cases of yellow fever were reported by the WHO in Bonthe district (Southern province).

The Lassa fever is present in eastern Sierra Leone; transmission is particularly important between February and April. Lassa fever 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. On October 8th, 2010, local authorities stated that at least 152 people have contracted the disease over the past 10 months (including 45 deaths).

There are cases of animal rabies in the country.

Diseases transmitted by food, water or through the environment

Diarrheic diseases are frequent in the country.

Cholera is endemic in the country, as well as typhoid fever. In order to minimize risks, it is recommended to wash hands thoroughly before meals, and to use uncontaminated water.

In 2009, 12 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.

The prevalence of hepatitis A is very high. The disease is transmitted by the ingestion of contaminated food or drinks. Hepatita A is an acute liver disease.

There is also a risk of onchocerciasis (everywhere in the country except in the coastal plain and the Freetown peninsula) and schistosomiasis (in fresh water, mainly in central and eastern areas).

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

According to UNAIDS, HIV prevalence is seizable in Sierra Leone: 1.7% of adult popultaion (15-49 years) is HIV positive.

Tuberculosis is frequent in the country.