Touring Gabon – Keeping Disease Off Your Itinerary
Planning a trip to Gabon? Tourism to this western African nation if on the rise in recent years, as the government works hard to cultivate the travel & tourism market. This coastal country offers tourists white sandy beaches, fishing and ocean attractions, tropical rainforests and 13 national parks. Like other African countries there are safari adventures, which display big game and wildlife. Tourists to the city of Lambaréné can visit the hospital founded by Nobel laureate, Dr. Albert Schweitzer in 1913. Today it is a fully functioning hospital and medical research center.
Planning a weekend getaway to Gabon? Tourism to this central African nation is on the rise in recent years, as the government works to cultivate the travel market. This coastal country offers tourists white sandy beaches, fishing and ocean attractions, tropical rainforests and are 13 national parks. and numerous Planning a weekend getaway to Gabon? Tourism to this central African nation is on the rise in recent years, as the government works to cultivate the travel market. This coastal country offers tourists white sandy beaches, fishing and ocean attractions, tropical rainforests and are 13 national parks. and numerous
Travelers should consult with a travel doctors several weeks before departure to discuss necessary vaccinations and other important safety advice.
You should be up to date on all routine vaccinations, such as tetanus, measles/mumps/rubells (MMR) etc.
Travelers to Gabon may need the following vaccines:
- Yellow fever
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Rabies
- Polio
- Diphtheria
- Meningitis
You may not need all of these vaccines, depending upon your specific itinerary and length of stay. Malaria prophylaxis is essential as this disease is present throughout the country. This strain of malaria is resistant to chloroquine, so a different medication will be prescribed. Reducing exposure to mosquitos is essential with skin and clothing repellants.
Unfortunately, there’s not a vaccine for every disease lurking in Gabon. Travelers are at risk for dengue, schistosomiasis and other parasites. Your travel doctor can give you specific tips on how to stay clear of these microscopic threats.
If you become ill after you return, make sure to advise your doctor of your travel history. Malaria can develop in returning travelers up to a year after you return. So, if you develop fever, do not take 2 aspirin and call your doctor in the morning. Call your travel doctor right away.
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