Sub Saharan Africa

You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.  If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Djibouti you should seek immediate medical attention.

HIV/AIDS is widespread in Djibouti. See HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Djibouti and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health

Avian Influenza

Since early April 2006, Djibouti has had three confirmed cases of poultry deaths from Avian Influenza (Bird Flu).  There has also been one confirmed case of human infection and two further suspected cases.  No human deaths have been reported.

The risk to humans from Avian Influenza is believed to be very low.  As a precaution you should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of the possibility that the Avian Influenza outbreaks could lead at some point to a human flu pandemic, if the virus mutates to a form easily transmissible between people.

British nationals living longer term in an Avian Influenza affected regions should take personal responsibility for their own safety in the event of a future pandemic, including considering their access to adequate healthcare and ensuring travel documents are up to date.

You should read this advice in conjunction with Avian and Pandemic Influenza, which gives more detailed advice and information.