Health risks

Gabon is a developing nation in west central Africa. French is the official language. Facilities for tourism outside the capital city, Libreville, are available, but often limited.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: In view of recent incidents, all travellers should take extra precautions when travelling in Libreville. To prevent carjacking, citizens are encouraged to travel with their windows up and doors locked at all times. Marginal neighborhoods of the city should be avoided, especially at night. All citizens should avoid walking alone on the beach or other isolated areas, even in daylight. When dining in restaurants or visiting markets, carry only minimal amounts of cash and avoid wearing excessive amounts of jewelry.

CRIME: In Gabon, petty thievery is common. Violent crime is common in urban areas and armed robberies are occurring with greater frequency. Home robberies and armed attacks on restaurants frequented by foreigners are becoming more commonplace. Increasing brazen attacks on well-known establishments even during daylight hours suggest a developing trend. While the incidents do not appear to specifically target westerners, they continue to affect neighborhoods and establishments frequented by foreigners.

In Libreville, travellers should avoid walking alone on the beach or in other isolated areas, even in daylight; the beach should be avoided altogether during the evening hours. Marginal neighborhoods of the city should be avoided, especially at night. Carry only minimal amounts of cash when visiting markets.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities in Gabon's major cities are limited, but generally adequate for routine or basic needs. Medical services in rural areas are generally unavailable. Additionally, some medicines are not available; travellers should carry required medicines and medications with them.

More than 25 mill. people are infected by HIV in the subsaharian Africa.

Arthropodborne diseases are a great problem in this region af Africa.

We recommend:

  • Usage of long-sleeved shirt and long pants to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects.
  • Usage of insect repellent containing DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide), in 30%–35% strength for adults and 6%–10% for children. Unless you are staying in air-conditioned or well-screened housing.
  • Usage of a bed net impregnated with the insecticide permethrin.
  • Staying and sleeping in air-conditioned houses.

Arthropod borne diseases:

  • Malaria below 2600 m altitude
  • Filariasis
  • Leishamaniasis
  • Relapsing fever
  • Epidemic typhus
  • Onchocerciasis
  • Trypanosomiasis
  • Yellow fever

Water- and foodborne diseases:

  • Cholera
  • Amoebiasis
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis E
  • Typhoid fever
  • Giardiasis
  • ETEC E.coli

Other diseases:

  • Hepatitis B
  • Trachoma
  • HIV
  • Poliomyelitis
  • Schistosomiasis (Bilharziasis)
  • Meningitis

Vaccinations recommended:

  • Yellow fever
  • Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin (IG)
  • Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
  • Meningitis
  • Typhoid fever - vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region
  • Rabies - if risk for contact with wild or domestic animals
  • A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within th last 10 years.

Stay healthy:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water;
  • Drink only boiled water, or water and carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans;
  • Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes;
  • Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it;
  • Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents (applied sparingly at 4-hour intervals) and permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn;
  • Prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot;
  • Do not travel at night;
  • Trafic accidents are frequent, be careful;
  • Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases;
  • Don't eat food purchased from street vendors;
  • Use mefloquine as malaria prophylaxis.(Chloroquine resistance)

Compulsory vaccinations: yellow fever certificate required by all. Exempt infants under 1 year.

Recommended immunisations: diphtheria, hepatitis A, *hepatitis B, malaria, *meningitis, polio, *TB, tetanus, typhoid * recommended in some circumstances, travellers making 3 or more visits per year, stays of more than 3 months in a rural area, high-risk occupational groups & backpackers staying more than 1 month.

Risks: malaria exists all year throughout the country. Rabies.
Blood transfusion & tissue transplantation risk according to UK BTS:

  • Malaria: Yes, All year in whole country
  • Maliaria Risk Category: A
  • Trypanasoma Cruzi Risk: No
  • Sub Saharan Africa: Yes
  • West Nile Virus Risk: No
  • Chikungunya Virus Risk: No

Yellow fever vaccination requirements and recommendations and malaria situation in Gabon
Food and Water Safety
HIV Risk
Check travelers health risks by CDC before, after and while traveling to Gabon and prevention before arrival at Gabon.

Travel data, health safety, warnings and recommendations for Canadian who willing to visit Gabon