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      Namibia

      Latest update: - Authors: Mieke Croughs, Ula Maniewski

      This page contains the main health risks for travellers and general recommendations. Travel conditions are different for everyone and each patient's health condition varies. Discuss your trip during a travel consultation with your doctor or in a travel clinic, preferably six to eight weeks before departure.

      Check the current security situation on the federal government website.

      Important health risks

      Malaria

      The malaria risk is:

      • high all year round: in the north and northeast of the country (provinces Zambezi/ Caprivi Strip, Kavango-East and- West, Ohangwena). We recommend the use of mosquito-repellent measures from dusk till morning, in combination with the use of malaria tablets.
      • seasonal in areas in the north-east of the country: northeastern parts of the provinces Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, and Omaheke, including cities Tsumeb and Grootfontein:
      • moderate all year round: remaining northern regions, including provinces Kunene, Omusati, Oshana, southern parts of the provinces Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Omaheke and Etosha national park. We recommend the use of of mosquito-repellent measures from dusk till morning. For people with an increased risk, we sometimes recommend preventive malaria tablets, or taking an emergency treatment with you. 
      • low in the rest of the country (exceptions see above and below). We recommend the use of mosquito-repellent measures from dusk till morning.

      There is no malaria risk in Windhoek (city center), coast, Namib desert as well as regions south of Mariental.

      In case of fever during or after your journey, get tested for malaria as soon as possible.

      Other insect-borne diseases

      Insects can transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and leishmaniasis.

      Protect yourself against insects

      Tick-borne diseases

      Ticks can transmit diseases such as African tick bite fever.

      Rabies

      Dogs and other mammals can be infected with rabies.

      Schistosomiasis

      There is a risk of infection with schistosomiasis when swimming or bathing in lakes and rivers.

      Altitude sickness

      You may experience altitude sickness in areas above 2500 metres.

      Other possible infections

      Other frequent health risks while travelling

      Read these tips before you leave.

      Vaccinations

      Hepatitis A

      Recommended

      Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travellers.

      Update of basic vaccinations

      Recommended

      Polio

      Recommended

      A single booster of polio vaccination is recommended for all travellers to Asia or Africa aged 16 years or older.

      Other vaccinations

      Recommended for some travellers

      Discuss with your doctor whether one of the following vaccinations is recommended for you:

      Yellow fever

      Exceptionally mandatory for some travellers

      There is no risk of yellow fever in this country. Vaccination is not required if you are travelling from Belgium.    

      Vaccination is exceptionally compulsory if you have been in a country where yellow fever may occur in the past six days (see map). This also applies to transit through an airport.
      This vaccination must be administered at least ten days prior to arrival by an official yellow fever vaccination centre and must be registered in an International Certificate of Vaccination and Prophylaxis.

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