Lesotho

Travel clinic Lesotho
Travel health and vaccine advice for Lesotho

Lesotho is a very singular country. The tiny nation is an enclave, like an island lost the middle of South Africa, entirely lying on high mountains. Underrated travel destination, the “Kingdom in the Sky” offers a stunning scenery. Tourism related infrastructures may not be as comfortable in Lesotho as in its surrounding countries, but the small nation is a haven for outdoor-lovers, who will live epic adventures hiking or horseback riding soaring peaks and deep green valleys dug by tumultuous rivers. The country has a very rich culture and produces particularly remarkable handicrafts. Its inhabitants, the charming Basotho people, will always welcome visitors with arms wide open.


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.

LESOTHO – RECOMMENDED VACCINES

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-country-list.pdf
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.
Measles – Rubella – Mumps Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given.
Cholera For humanitarian workers and health care providers.
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
Chikungunya Presence. All travellers should protect themselves from mosquito bites.
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.
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.

RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS

Acetazolamide/Dexaméthasone Recommended to prevent Acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea Azithromycin or Suprax

MEDICAL CARE

Public medical establishments in Lesotho are in very poor condition. The health care infrastructure is insufficient and rudimentary in the country. The medical care provided by Lesotho’s public hospitals is usually inefficient. In case of serious sickness, medical complications or severe injury, it is advised to avoid local medical facilities. It is safer to be evacuated to South Africa or to your country of origin. It is thus indispensable to subscribe a good travel health insurance covering repatriation if you intend to travel to Lesotho. If an evacuation is not possible, go to the Maseru Private Hospital in the capital city and avoid the public Queen Elisabeth II Hospital.

Be aware that there are no ambulance services in Lesotho.

Pharmaceutical products are not reliable as they are kept in inadequate conditions, and many Western drugs can not be found in the country. Be sure to bring your own medical supplies in sufficient quantities.

SECURITY ABROAD

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and mugging, is prevalent. It increases at night and on weekends. Violent crime occurs, particularly in Maseru between local hotels and the business district. Foreigners are often targeted.

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SAN JOSÉ WEATHER

CANADIAN EMBASSY

Emergency services

In case of emergency, dial:

  • police: 800 220 46 / 223 171 63
  • medical assistance: 589 705 88
  • firefighters: 800 220 46
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