Health

1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers over one year of age. High-risk areas are rural areas, particularly the Poni province. Vaccinations against the A, C and W135 strains are highly recommended.

2: Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Burkina Faso. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness; see the Health appendix.

3: Typhoid immunisation or boosters are recommended. Poliomyelitis is endemic.

4: Malaria risk exists all year throughout the country, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported. A weekly dose of 250mg of mefloquine is the recommended prophylaxis.

Food & drink : Water is scarce and all found water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Drinking water outside main cities and towns is likely to be contaminated and sterilisation is considered essential. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid all dairy products made from unboiled milk. Only

eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks : Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools that are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Onchoerciasis (river blindness) and trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) occur. Vaccination against meningococcal meningitis, tetanus and hepatitis A is recommended. Hepatitis B is hyper endemic. Hepatitis E, TB and dengue fever occur. HIV/Aids is prevalent. The hot, dusty environment can exacerbate breathing problems.

Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.