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Special
Precautions |
Certificate
Required |
| Yellow
Fever |
Yes |
1 |
| Cholera |
Yes |
2 |
| Typhoid
and Polio |
3 |
N/A |
| Malaria |
4 |
N/A |
1: A
yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by
travellers over one year of age arriving from infected
areas. Travellers arriving from non-endemic zones should
note that vaccination is strongly recommended for travel
outside the urban areas, even if an outbreak of the
disease has not been reported and they would normally not
require a vaccination certificate to enter the country.
The risk of contracting yellow fever is highest in Lagos
and Kaduna states. Contact Embassy/High Commission for
exact details of vaccination requirements prior to travel.
2: Following
WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination
certificate is not a condition of entry to Nigeria.
However, evidence of cholera vaccination is required by
certain nationals before they may enter the country (check
with the nearest Nigerian Embassy) and vaccination is
therefore advised. Cholera is a serious risk in this
country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice
should be sought before deciding whether these precautions
should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided
over its effectiveness. See the Health appendix for
further information.
3: Polio
and typhoid both occur.
4: Malaria
risk exists all year throughout the country. The
predominant falciparum strain has been reported to
be resistant to chloroquine.
Food & drink: All
water should be regarded as being potentially
contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or
making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise
sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled.
Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but
make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid
dairy products which are likely to have been made from
unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish,
preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may
carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and
fruit peeled.
Other risks: Bilharzia
(schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling
in fresh water. Swimming pools which are well chlorinated
and maintained are safe. Hepatitis A, B, C and E
are present; precautions should be taken. Meningococcal
meningitis, leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis and onchocerciasis
(river blindness) occur. TB and Dengue fever
also occur and HIV is a risk.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk,
vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you
are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more
information, consult the Health appendix.
Health care: The
government-provided health care facilities are of a poor
standard and are subject to shortages of drugs, equipment,
materials and even electricity. It is advisable to take a
sufficient supply of drugs or medication to meet personal
needs. However, there are some adequate private facilities
where the standards approach those of Europe. Doctors and
hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health
services. There is no reciprocal health agreement with the
UK. Medical insurance is essential.
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