Travel Vaccines and Advice for Tanzania

• Typhoid – Salmonella Typhi causes typhoid, a severe infection transmitted via contaminated food and water. Vaccination is recommended for travellers and those with elevated infection risks. Practicing proper hygiene and safe food handling can also reduce the likelihood of contracting typhoid.
• Cholera – Cholera is a bacterial infection caused by Vibrio cholerae, typically spread through contaminated water, leading to severe diarrhea and dehydration. The cholera vaccine, administered orally, effectively prevents this infection. It’s recommended for travellers to areas with high cholera incidence and during outbreaks.
• Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is an infectious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus, often spread through contaminated food or water, or via direct contact with someone infected. It leads to liver inflammation, potentially impairing its function, and manifests as symptoms like tiredness, stomach pain, nausea, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. The vaccine for hepatitis A offers robust protection against this virus. It is typically given in two doses over a six-month period and is advised for those travelling to regions with higher risk or for people more likely to come into contact with the virus.
• Yellow Fever – Yellow fever, caused by the yellow fever virus and primarily spread by infected mosquitoes, can be effectively prevented with vaccination. The yellow fever vaccine, with its long-lasting immunity, is essential for travellers to endemic areas and residents in regions where the disease is prevalent.
• Rabies – Preventing rabies involves avoiding contact with infected animals and ensuring timely vaccination. The rabies vaccine is a critical tool, offering protection through post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and preemptive vaccination for high-risk individuals like travellers.
• Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, a liver infection spread through bodily fluids, poses a significant health risk. Safe practices help, but vaccination is the ultimate safeguard. It prompts the immune system to produce antibodies, ensuring strong and persistent protection.
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly contagious diseases with potentially severe consequences. Preventing their transmission is possible through vaccination with the MMR vaccine. This two-dose vaccine not only safeguards individuals but also helps create herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks within communities.

Malaria is present in all regions of Tanzania under 1,800 metres elevation. Travellers are advised to take antimalarials no matter their destination or itinerary in the country. Malaria in Tanzania is chloroquine resistant, be sure to speak with a travel health specialist on which antimalarial is best for your trip.

If you get bitten by bugs, clean the area, resist scratching, and use over-the-counter remedies like hydrocortisone or antihistamines to relieve itching. Seek medical attention for severe reactions.

Safely enjoying meals abroad involves precautions like washing hands, avoiding street food, and consuming well-cooked dishes. Opt for bottled or canned drinks and stay vigilant about seal integrity. Preventing travellers’ diarrhea means maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding raw foods, and selecting reputable eateries.

Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), results from oxygen deprivation at high altitudes, leading to symptoms like headaches and nausea. Prevent AMS by ascending slowly, staying hydrated, and considering medication. If symptoms worsen, descend immediately to lower altitudes and seek medical assistance.

• African Sleeping Sickness – In Africa, African Trypanosomiasis can be prevented through wearing long-sleeved clothing, and using insect repellent to reduce the risk of tsetse fly bites, which transmit the parasites causing the disease.
• African Tick-Bite Fever – African Tick-Bite Fever (ATBF) is a tick-borne disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Preventive measures include wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks.
• Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever – Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, a severe viral illness, spreads through infected ticks and direct human contact with bodily fluids. Prevention includes tick avoidance, protective measures in healthcare settings, and the development of a potential vaccine to curb its transmission.
• Dengue – Dengue fever, a viral infection spread by mosquitoes, is characterized by symptoms like high fever and rash. Prevention involves protective measures against mosquito bites and eliminating breeding sites. For those affected, seeking prompt medical care, staying hydrated, and using specific pain relievers under guidance is essential for recovery.
• Rift Valley Fever – Rift Valley Fever, transmitted by mosquitoes and infected animal contact, can be prevented through livestock vaccination, mosquito control, and safe animal handling practices.
• Schistosomiasis – Schistosomiasis, caused by parasitic flatworms, is prevalent in areas with contaminated freshwater sources. Prevention involves staying out of potentially infected waters and using protective clothing. Recognizing symptoms such as fever and seeking medical help promptly is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.