Burundi

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• The whole country is malarial, including the highlands which were previously preserved. It is estimated than one out of three inhabitants has malaria. Strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3).
• The HIV prevalence is preoccupying: 11% of the adult population is HIV-positive.
• Tuberculosis is frequent in the country.
• Numerous cases of cholera and meningitis have been reported lately.
• Diarrheic diseases are frequent.
• Cases of rabies have been reported.

FOOD SAFETY

• Gastric diseases are common among tourists who are not accustomed to local food or who do not take precautions.
• Do not drink tap water and favor bottled mineral water, without ice ; avoid eating ice cream and sherbet.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked dishes, especially meat or fish. If possible, order hot dishes.
• Bring anti-diarrhea medication with you.
• Wash your hands carefully before each meal.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND MEDICATION

• All travellers entering the country are required to present a certificate of immunization against yellow fever.
Systematically:
• Yellow fever: the vaccination is available for all children at least one year old.
• Hepatitis A: the vaccination is available for children at least one year old. For persons who were born before 1945, who have spent their childhood in a developing country or who have had an icterus, it may prove useful to search previously for serous antibodies in order to avoid an unnecessary shot.
• Hepatitis B: the vaccination is available for children at least two months old.
• Diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis: get a booster shot before leaving if your last shot is more than ten years old.



Depending on the duration and conditions of the trip:
• Typhoid fever: if the stay is occurring in precarious hygiene condition. The immunization is available for children at least 2 years old.
• Rabies: recommended for long stays in isolation. The immunization should be given to children as soon as they are able to walk.
• Tuberculosis: in case of a long stay, it is recommended to have children immunized against tuberculosis as soon as they reach the age of one month, and against mumps, measles and rubella when they reach the age of nine months.

HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURES

Bujumbura
• Prince Regent Charles Hospital, Avenue de l'Hôpital: phone + 257 226 166

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Police: 222 018
• Kamenge University Hospital: 257 23 20 92 or 257 23 20 74

CLIMATE

• Burundi has a tropical climate. Temperatures vary depending on altitude. In the lower regions (Imbo), they can reach 23°C whereas in altitude (Mount Heha), they are usually under 15°C.
• When to go: June or September.