Risk / Health Info for Uganda

Do I need vaccines for Uganda?

There are some recommended inoculations for Uganda and Global Travel Clinics can help you arrange these. Sanitation is not reliable, so stick to bottled or treated water or you risk getting a stomach upset. You can further protect yourself from GI conditions by getting vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid.

Uganda is in the African meningitis belt so think about getting a meningococcal meningitis vaccine, particularly if you are travelling during the dry season (December to June). The bacteria that causes meningococcal meningitis is spread person-to-person through respiratory droplets.

Some groups of travellers should consider a hepatitis B vaccine. These include children, frequent and long-stay travellers as well as those who will be working in a healthcare setting, including dentistry or in a lab that handles body fluids. Hep B is also contracted through recreational intravenous drug use and unprotected sex. Another infection route is invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

Rabies occurs in Uganda and if you are going to a remote region or if you will be working with animals, particularly bats and dogs, this vaccine is recommended. Children should also be vaccinated against rabies as they may get bitten while playing with animals, often on the face or neck. Seek urgent medical advice about an animal bite or scratch in Uganda, even if you have been vaccinated.

Do you need a yellow fever certificate in Uganda? The answer is yes. Your certificate is proof of immunity. A yellow fever vaccine should give you lifelong immunity and if you keep the certificate safe, you will never need to get another one.

Are the any epidemics in Uganda?

Cases of avian flu have been reported recently. Do not touch any dead birds and take sensible precautions against respiratory infections.

Other tropical diseases, including Rift Valley fever, are also reported from time to time. You may be given advice locally on avoiding these diseases.

Are there hospitals in Uganda?

The health service in Uganda is limited and you may not be able to get medical help at the scene of an accident (although there is an emergency number: 999). You should have good health insurance in place before you go to Uganda in case you need to be evacuated.

Altitude in Uganda

Parts of Uganda are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Malaria in Uganda

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Uganda at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Schistosomiasis in Uganda

The schistosomiasis parasite enters humans through the skin during contact with fresh water. To prevent infection, avoid swimming or paddling in lakes and streams in Uganda. This condition is also known as bilharzia.

Chikungunya virus in Uganda

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Uganda. It is spread by day-biting mosquitoes and you can guard against infection by covering up and using mosquito repellents. Infection results in joint pains, fever, rash and headache. It clears up after a few days, but some patients are left with swollen and painful joints for weeks or even years afterwards.

polio in Uganda

tuberculosis in Uganda

Zika in Uganda

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Uganda. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to Uganda. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.