Your health is an important consideration as you prepare for your trip to Uganda.  Travel to Africa raises some health concerns, but fortunately in this day and age the risks can be minimized with the appropriate information and preparation.

Make sure that you consult your doctor one to two months before your departure.  Some general recommendations are listed below.  You may want to discuss these with your doctor and realize that, because everybody is different, your doctor may have specific recommendations for you

Immunizations

Immunizations are an important part of your preparation.  You should have the following immunizations:

• Yellow Fever - you need to carry a yellow health card with an official stamp and proof that you have been vaccinated against yellow fever in the last 10 years.  This is required, so don’t create a problem for yourself with the health officials by not preparing and carrying the required documents.
• Typhoid – the oral vaccine is the preferred vaccine, but the injectable vaccine (Vi) should be used if the oral vaccine is not available.  The oral vaccine consists of 4 doses.  You take one dose every other day.  Be sure to do this at least one month prior to departure.
• Hepatitis A
• Tetanus, Measles, and Polio boosters are all recommended if you don’t have them up to date.
• Hepatitis B is recommended if you are going to come into contact with blood products (i.e. health care workers).  It is a good vaccine to have although not universally recommended by the CDC.
• Rabies vaccine is recommended if you will come in contact with wild or domestic animals.  It is expensive and not everyone is immunized for rabies, but if you can afford the vaccine, it is a good idea.

Malaria

Malaria is a serious, but preventable infection that can be fatal. Prevent this deadly disease by taking a prescription anti-malarial drug, and by protecting yourself against mosquito bites.

Larium (mefloquine) is the recommended drug to prevent Malaria.  This is taken once a week starting one week before leaving the U.S.A. and continued for 4 weeks upon return.  If Larium can not be tolerated then either Malarone(atovaquone/proguanil) or doxycycline is recommended.  These are taken daily and should be started 2 days prior to departure.  Malarone should be continued for seven days after return while doxyclycline should be continued for 4 weeks after your return.

Remember that if you develop a fever or a flu-like illness during your trip or after your return to the U.S. you need to obtain medical care and inform the doctor of your travel history and risk for having Malaria.

Food and Waterborn Diseases

Food and waterborne diseases are the number one cause of illness in travelers. Travelers’ diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which are found throughout the region and can contaminate food or water. Infections may cause diarrhea and vomiting (E. coli, Salmonella, cholera, and parasites), fever (typhoid fever and toxoplasmosis), or liver damage (hepatitis). Make sure your food and drinking water are safe.

Other Items

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection, is found in fresh water in Uganda. Do not swim in fresh water (except in well-chlorinated swimming pools).

Because motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury among travelers, walk and drive defensively. Avoid nighttime travel if possible and always use seat belts.