Comoros

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• Malaria is present in the whole archipelago. Strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3).
• An outbreak of typhoid fever and cholera has been reported on the island since the beginning of year 2007.
• Some countries of the Indian Ocean (Mauritius, Seychelles, Reunion) have reported cases of chikungunya. Currently, the area is going through an interepidemic phase during which the virus is transmitted only sporadically.
• Dengue fever outbreaks occur regularly.
• Tuberculosis is frequent in the country.
• Diarrheic diseases are frequent. A cholera outbreak is currently under way, with over 500 cases reported between June and July 2008, mainly in Ngazidja.

FOOD SAFETY

• Gastric diseases are common among tourists who are not accustomed to local food or who do not take precautions.
• Tap water is in principle drinkable because water treatment is good. However, a pollution due to water pipes is always possible. Furthermore, the water delivered by private companies is not always of good quality. It is thus recommended to drink bottled mineral water whenever possible.
• Avoid eating ice cream, sherbet and salads.
• 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

• Travellers entering the country from an endemic area are required to present a certificate of immunization against yellow fever.
Systematically:
• 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.
• Recommended chemoprophylaxis against malaria: mefloquine (commercial name: Lariam) or doxycycline (commercial name: Doxypalu).

HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURES

• In Grande Comore, El Maarouf hospital: phone + 269 73 26 04
• In Moheli, Fomboni hospital: phone + 269 72 03 73
• In Anjouan, Hombo hospital: phone + 269 71 00 34

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Local police: 73 46 63

CLIMATE

• The Comoros archipelago has a maritime tropical climate, characterized by small temperature variations (the average annual temperature is 26°C on the coast) and abundant precipitations (2679 mm per year). The average water temperature is 25°C.
• There are two main seasons: the hot and humid season from November to April and the dry season from May to October.
• When to go: between May and October.