Senegal Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | Yes * |
| Typhoid | Yes |
| Tetanus | Yes |
| Rabies | Sometimes |
| Malaria | Yes ** |
| Hepatitis A | Yes |
| Diphtheria | Sometimes |
* Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers aged one year and over entering Senegal. Vaccination is also recommended due to the risk of yellow fever transmission throughout the country.
** Malaria: Malaria is present throughout Senegal. Antimalarial medication is recommended for travellers, together with measures to prevent mosquito bites.
Health Care
Healthcare facilities in Senegal are generally best in Dakar, where public and private hospitals provide a wider range of medical services. Outside the capital, medical facilities are more limited, and specialist treatment may not be readily available.
Private clinics generally offer a higher standard of care than public hospitals and are commonly used by expatriates and visitors. Serious illnesses or injuries may require medical evacuation to Europe or another country with more advanced medical facilities.
Pharmacies are widely available in Dakar and other larger towns, although supplies of some medicines may be limited outside the main urban centres. Travellers should carry sufficient quantities of any essential prescription medication in its original packaging, together with a copy of the prescription.
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment and emergency medical evacuation is strongly recommended. Medical facilities often require payment before treatment is provided, even when travellers have insurance.
Food and Drink
Tap water in Senegal is not considered safe for visitors to drink. Bottled, boiled or properly filtered water should be used for drinking, brushing teeth and making ice, particularly outside major hotels and international-standard establishments.
Food hygiene standards vary. Food should be thoroughly cooked and served hot, while raw or undercooked meat, seafood and shellfish should be avoided. Care should be taken with food sold by street vendors where hygiene and storage conditions are uncertain.
Fruit and vegetables should be washed with safe water or peeled before consumption. Unpasteurised milk and dairy products should be avoided, and travellers should ensure that ice in drinks has been made from safe water.
Other Risks
Mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever and chikungunya, occur in Senegal in addition to malaria. Travellers should use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing in the evenings and sleep under mosquito nets where appropriate.
Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is present in many freshwater lakes and rivers. Travellers should avoid swimming or wading in freshwater unless local authorities confirm that it is safe.
Heat-related illness and dehydration are risks, particularly during the hot season and in inland areas. Travellers should drink plenty of safe water, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day and use appropriate sun protection.
Dust and sand carried by the Harmattan winds between about November and March can reduce visibility and may aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma.
