Main health risks for Somalia

Diseases transmitted by insects or animals

The country's health situation and hygiene conditions make it a potentially risky destination for travelers.

Malaria is present in the whole country, particularly on the shores of rivers Jubba and Shabeelle (latest epidemics in December 2006); transmission is particularly important between March and May then in October-November. Strains are widely resistant to chloroquine (zone 3).

Yellow fever is endemic in the country.

Cases of Rift Valley fever have been reported lately. This cattle disease can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected animal's blood or milk, or by a mosquito bite.

There are cases of dengue fever in the south of the country and leishmaniosis in the Bakool region, in the south-west.

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 among travelers who do not take precautions.

Cholera is endemic in the country. Health authorities have reported cholera outbreaks in the regions of Lower Shabeelle, Mudug, Banaadir (including Mogadishu, the capital city) and Bay. In order to minimize risks, it is recommended to wash hands thoroughly before meals and to use uncontaminated water.

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.

Polio-free for since 2002, Somalia has become re-infected in 2005. Between 2005 and September 2006, Somalia has reported 215 confirmed cases (14 infected regions out of a total of 19 regions). The high risk areas are northern and central Somalia.

Diseases transmitted by contact with infected people

The AIDS epidemics is on the rise in Somalia.

Tuberculosis is frequent in the country.

The country is regularly confronted to meningitis epidemics. 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.

From January to the beginning of September 2011, around 9,000 measles cases have been reported. Measles is an infectious disease transmitted through contact with the nose and throat discharges of an infected person, for instance when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The disease mainly affects young children and remains a leading cause of infant mortality. Symptoms of measles are high temperature, skin eruptions, pimples, sore eyes and cough. An efficient vaccine exists against the disease.