Central African Republic
Located at the heart of the continent between Chad, Sudan and Cameroon, the Central African Republic doesn’t attract many tourists. Yet The country has several gorgeous National Parks of rare natural beauty. Forest elephants and western lowland gorillas can be encountered in the Central African Republic, as well as leopards, lions, rhinoceroses and an incredible array of colorful butterflies. Some areas have however sadly been affected by poachers over the past decades. The visitor will always be welcomed by the country’s friendly population, composed of countless different ethnic groups, each community speaking its own language and having its own traditions.
HEALTH INFORMATION
We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.
For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Typhoid fever | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine | Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose. Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50*. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): 1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32). *Only applicable for Quebec. |
| Polio | One-time booster recommended for any adult traveler who completed the childhood series but never had polio vaccine as an adult (after 18 years old only). |
| Measles – Rubella – Mumps | Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given. |
| Cholera | For humanitarian workers and health care providers. |
| Meningitis | Recommended for all travellers during the season(s). Consider immunization for specific groups or itineraries outside the dry season |
| Flu – Influenza | Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. Vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure. |
| Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) | Recommended for all travelers |
| African Tick Bite Fever | Presence. All travellers should protect themselves against tick bites. |
| Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention – Rabies | For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats, dogs and other mammals. Clients who plan to visit remote areas may consider receiving this vaccine. Important to note the pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered in 2 doses with one week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated. |
| Schistosomiasis | Avoid swimming in fresh water. |
| The Yellow Fever Vaccine | A proof of vaccination against yellow fever may be required upon entry in to this country. Some travellers may not be eligible to receive this vaccine. Please enquire with your health care professional regarding your specific details. It is important to note that the vaccine should be administered at least 10 days prior to your departure. For further information, please consult with the World Health Organization (WHO) website: https://www.who.int/ith/ith- |
| Turista – Traveler’s Diarrhea (ETEC) | Talk to your health care professional about the risks and precautionary measures to take, as well as the Dukoral® vaccine. Important to note that the Dukoral vaccine is an oral vaccine given in 2 doses, recommended at least 2 weeks prior to departure. |
| Malaria | Malaria is present in this country. The risk may be region specific. Prophylaxis measures to be discussed with the health care professional. |
| Dengue Fever, Chikungunya and/or Zika | There are many illnesses that are transmitted via mosquito bites and unfortunately we do not have vaccines to protect us against most of them. It is important to inquire with your healthcare professional regarding the specific risks and the different illnesses presently in circulation. |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Antimalarials Recommended | Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine |
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
The health care system in the Central African Republic remains precarious. Very few hospitals are found in the country, and they are usually badly equipped and in very poor condition. In remote areas, medical care is almost impossible to find. In case of severe sickness or serious injury, you will have to be evacuated to another country.
Be aware that there are no emergency services in the Central African Republic.
There are only a few pharmacies in the country and access to pharmaceutical products is a serious concern. Be sure to bring a complete first aid kit and all the medicines you could need when traveling to the Central African Republic.
SECURITY ABROAD
Security conditions remain extremely unstable throughout the Central African Republic, despite the presence of the United Nations stabilization mission, mandated to protect civilians since 2014. Armed groups committing acts of sectarian violence remain a threat. They are responsible for the deaths of thousands of people since 2012, including …
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: +236 2161 3072
- medical assistance: 114
- firefighters: 118
