Health Issues for the Traveler

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PLANNING YOUR TRIP

WHEN TO GO?

WHAT TO TAKE?

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER

HEALTH ISSUES

Let us start off by saying that you should consult a doctor prior to traveling to Ethiopia. This page is meant to give you an overview of some of the major health concerns for travelers and give you some recommendations to make your trip a healthy one. You should by no means substitute the advice provided on this page for a physician consultation.

MAJOR CONCERNS

Food and waterborne diseases are the number one cause of illness for travelers. Travelers' Diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which are found through out Ethiopia, and can contaminate food or water. Infections may cause diarrhea and vomiting. Make sure your food and drinking water are safe. You can do that by boiling your drinking water or buying bottled water. Do not swim in fresh water (except in well-chlorinated swimming pools).

Malaria is also a major concern in Ethiopia. You can be infected with malaria in all areas of Ethiopia except Addis Ababa and in the highland areas above 2,500 meters. Malaria is a preventable infection that can be fatal if left untreated. Prevent infection by taking prescription anti-malaria drugs and protecting yourself against mosquito bites. The United States government's Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that "most travelers to malaria risk areas in this region should take mefloquine to prevent malaria."

RECOMMENDATIONS (VACCINATIONS)

The CDC also recommends that you see your doctor four to six weeks before your trip to allow time for the following vaccines - as appropriate for age. (1) Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin, (2) Hepatitis B, if you might be exposed to blood, have sexual contact with the local population, stay longer than six months, or be exposed to medical treatment while in Ethiopia, (3) Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation, and (4) Typhoid. As needed, doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles should be administered. Moreover, a one-time dose of Polio vaccine is recommended for adults. As mentioned in the "Requirements To Enter" page, Yellow Fever vaccination is required to enter Ethiopia.

RECOMMENDATIONS (BEHAVIORAL)

While in Ethiopia, you should wash your hands often with soap and water especially before meals - and especially if you are eating the local food which is consumed with hands (i.e. no utensils). You should eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. For various health reasons, you are recommended not to eat Kitfo, which is raw meat when served traditionally. You should drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. If this is not possible, make water safer by both filtering through an "absolute one-micron or less" filter and adding iodine tablets to the filtered water. These fine filters can be found in many camping/outdoor supply stores.

Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents (applied sparingly at 4-hour intervals).

And last, and definitely not least, always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

AFTER YOU RETURN HOME

You are at risk of contracting malaria while in Ethiopia, so you should continue to take your malaria medication weekly for four weeks after you leave Ethiopia. If you become ill after you trip - even as long as a year after you return - you should tell your doctor where you have traveled.