Guinea Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | Yes* |
| Typhoid | Yes |
| Tetanus | Yes |
| Rabies | Sometimes |
| Malaria | Yes |
| Hepatitis A | Yes |
| Diphtheria | Yes |
* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming 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.
Health Care
Health insurance is essential. Travel insurance which covers travellers for repatriation to their country is advisable. There are rudimentary medical, dental and optical facilities in Conakry. Medical facilities are poorly equipped and extremely limited. Some private facilities provide a better range of treatment options, but are still well below global standards. There are no ambulance or rescue emergency services available. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Food and 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. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other Risks
Diarrhoeal diseases are common. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present; avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Hepatitis C and E are widespread. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Epidemics of meningococcal disease may occur, particularly in the savannah areas and during the dry season. Dengue fever and tuberculosis both occur. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
