Sub Saharan Africa

There are confirmed human cases of the A (H1N1) virus (Swine Influenza) in Madagascar.  The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. see also our Swine Flu page.

Although there are a number of public and private hospitals in Antananarivo, only routine operations can be handled. If complex surgery is required you will be evacuated either to South Africa or La Reunion.

 

Bilharzia, tuberculosis, rabies, bubonic plague and malaria are common to Madagascar. There have also been reported cases of dengue fever and Chikungunya virus.  Outbreaks of cholera do occur, particularly during the rainy season (December-April). You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.  If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Madagascar you should seek immediate medical attention.

The last reported case of pulmonary plague was in October 2008 in Tsiroanomandidy.

In April 2008, an outbreak of Rift Valley fever was reported in five regions across Madagascar (Alaotra Mangoro, Analamanga, Itasy, Vakinakaratra and Anosy).  You should avoid mosquito bites and contact with domestic animals such as cows, goats and sheep and the blood, organs or body fluids of such animals.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 13,000 adults aged 15 or over in Madagascar were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Madagascar 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.