Gabon Health Care and Vaccinations

Health Care

Travellers in rural areas should take a first-aid kit with anti-tetanus and anti-venom serums. Medical facilities are limited. Comprehensive medical insurance is essential.

Food and Drink

All water should be regarded as potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other Risks

Diarrhoeal diseases, including giardiasis, and typhoid fevers are common. Hepatitis E is widespread. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present; avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Leishmaniasis and dengue fever can be transmitted by worms and insects. Epidemics of meningococcal disease may occur, particularly in the savannah areas and during the dry season. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.