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Lesotho Health Care and Vaccinations

Title Special precautions
Yellow Fever No*
Typhoid Yes
Tetanus Yes
Rabies Sometimes
Malaria No
Hepatitis A Yes
Diphtheria Yes

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers arriving from infected areas, even if they do not leave the airport.

Since the most practical way to reach Lesotho is to go through South Africa, it is also necessary to conform to South African health regulations.

Health Care

Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is recommended. Medical facilities in Lesotho are limited. Treatments for some cases may require transfer to a South African hospital; good facilities are available in Blomfontein, 145km (90 miles) west of Maseru.

Food and Drink

Tap water is considered safe to drink in cities. However, drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other Risks

Hepatitis A and B occur throughout the region. There is a very high incidence of HIV/AIDS with around 25% of the adult population infected.

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