Inoculation regulations can change at short notice. Please take medical advice in the case of doubt.

1
A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required from travellers over nine months coming from endemic areas. Enquire at nearest Embassy/Consulate prior to departure.

2
Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Senegal. However, cholera is a risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness; see the Health appendix for more information.

3
Vaccination against typhoid is advised.

4
Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists all year throughout the country; there is a lower risk in the central Western regions from January to June. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine has been reported. The recommended prophylaxis is mefloquine.

Food & drink
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks
Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Sleeping sickness (trypanosomiasis) is reported. Hepatitis A and E are widespread; hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Meningococcal meningitis risk exists, particularly during the dry season and in the savannah areas.
Dengue, filariasis, leishmaniasis and onchocerciasis (river blindness) are present. Plague occurs sporadically and TB is present.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, see the Health appendix.

In Dakar, doctors are plentiful and most medicines are available. Up-country, however, facilities are minimal. Health insurance is essential.