Eritrea

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• Malaria is endemic in all areas below 2200 meters of altitude, except in the Sahel. Southern Eritrea and the Samhar region are particularly at risk; there is no risk in Asmara. Strains are highly resistant to chloroquine (zone 3).
• Dengue is endemic in all areas below 1500 meters and on the shores of the Red Sea.
• The prevalence of HIV is significative; avoid blood transfusions except in case of absolute necessity.
• There are cases of animal rabies in the country but they remain rare.
• Diarrheic diseases are very common.

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 thoroughly 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:
• 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.
• Recommended chemoprophylaxis against malaria: mefloquine (commercial name: Lariam) or doxycycline (commercial name: Doxypalu).

HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURES

Asmara
• Dr. Mikaël Mussie Ghebre (French- and English-speaking), 80 Liberty Avenue: phone + 291 1 11 91 48
• Ospedale Italiano Ente Morale (Italian Hospital): phone + 291 1 12 18 77 / 12 41 78
• Mekane Hiwet Hospital, Life Street: phone + 291 1 12 77 62

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Police: 1 127 799
• Ambulances (Red Cross): 1 112 244

CLIMATE

• The climate is desertic on the coast; in western Eritrea, the climate is more humid and cooler on the plateaus.
• Winters are mild and summers very hot on the Red Sea coast.
• Rains are concentrated on high plateaus (small rains in March and April, pouring rains from the end of June until August, with a risk of flood).
• When to go: between May and September.