Jacaranda trees at Filfil National Park, Eritrea Mountains in Eritrea

Travel Vaccinations for Eritrea

Vaccines To Consider When Visiting Eritrea

A consultation will be completed with one of our specialist travel health nurses to assess your individual travel plans and health background before making recommendations, which can then be administered during the same appointment.

There is a risk of Malaria in Eritrea. London Travel Clinic offers a range of antimalarials to keep you protected

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Ibex in the mountains of Eritrea

Destination Information for Eritrea

Eritrea, on the East coast of Africa, bordering the Red Sea, is a little-visited country thanks to its difficult political situation, harsh landscape and tough travel restrictions. That said, it is an inspiring and unspoilt destination for those who make the journey. There’s plenty to offer for adventure lovers, including fabulous hiking, cycling and scuba diving. Those interested in the history of Eritrea will find plenty to be fascinated by in the museums and architecture.

The capital, Asmara, is situated in the highlands in the centre of the country and benefits from a temperate Mediterranean climate. Close to the capital is the Martyrs National Park, where you can experience much of the stunning wildlife Eritrea has to offer, including Elephants, lions, baboons, gazelles, leopards, ostriches, turtles and many species of rare birds. The variety of sights to see here means there really is something for everyone – from mountains to deserts, rainforests to beaches along the Red Sea coast. Visit the Medebar Market in Asmara, where almost everything is made from recycled materials. There’s a distinctly Italian feel to the capital, left from when Eritrea was governed by Italy up until World War 2. Pizza parlours and pastry shops are in abundance!

Infections and Outbreaks frequently change from country to country and by attending our clinics you will be given the most up to date clinical and safety advice from our team of specialists. Our advice to you often includes aspects such as:

Malaria and regions within country:

There is a high risk of P.Falciparum malaria in all areas below 2200m, including the Red Sea coastline. Anti-malarial medication is recommended.

Other areas including the city of Asmara is low risk and anti-malarial medication is not normally advised.

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Non Vaccinated Diseases

Rift Valley fever

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an acute, fever-causing viral disease that usually affects domesticated animals (such as cattle and sheep), but can also infect and cause illness in humans. The majority of human infections are caused by direct or indirect contact with the blood or organs of infected animals.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is primarily spread to humans either by infected ticks or animal blood. Human-to-human transmission can also occur resulting from close contact with the blood, organs or other bodily fluids of an infected person.

West Nile virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is spread by mosquitoes in many countries. There are usually no symptoms, although some people develop mild flu-like symptoms, nausea and skin rash. The virus is not contagious and should get better without any treatment.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25
Natural Mosquito Repellent - 100ml
£7.75

African tick bite fever

Bacterial infection from bite from infected ticks. Most common between April-November and in rural, camping and hiking areas. Causes redness around site of bite and symptoms usually within 2 weeks, such as fever, muscle pain, headache and rash.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes and it causes fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Joint pain is often debilitating and can vary in duration. The disease shares some clinical signs with Dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where Dengue is common. There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems Bed Bug Barrier Bedsheet
£12.99
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25

Leishmaniasis

A parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of an infected sandfly. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (the most common): Causes skin lesions, mainly ulcers on exposed parts of the body, causing scars and serious disability. 90% of cases are in the Americas, the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East and Asia. Visceral Leishmaniasis (the most dangerous): Causes enlarged spleen and liver, anaemia, weight loss and irregular bouts of fever. Highly endemic in the Indian Subcontinent and East Africa. Mucotaneous (the least common): Causes partial or total destruction of the mucous membranes in the nose, mouth and throat. Most cases are found in Peru, Bolivia and Brazil.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis, also called bilharzia, is an infection caused by a parasitic worm that lives in fresh water in subtropical and tropical regions. Avoid swimming in fresh water rivers, streams and lakes if you can. You often don't have any symptoms at first, but after a few weeks may develop a rash, high temperature, cough, diarrhoea and joint pain. Schistosomiasis can usually be treated successfully with a short course of a medication that kills the worms.

Trypanosomiasis

Human African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a parasitic disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tsetse fly, which is only found in rural Africa. Initial symptoms include severe headache, insomnia, enlarged lymph nodes, anaemia and rash.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25
Natural Mosquito Repellent - 100ml
£7.75

Additional Health Risks Information for Eritrea

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office currently advise against all travel to areas of Eritrea bordering with Sudan, Ethiopia and Djibouti. There have been border clashes in these locations, and the border is unclear and unmarked. There are reported to be landmines close to the borders, and there is a high risk of violence. Landmines remain a risk throughout the country, although driving on main roads which are not close to borders is generally safe. Take care in rural areas and avoid walking, hiking or driving after dark.

Some parts of Eritrea are high risk for malaria and Yellow fever, it is advisable to visit a Travel clinic to get the necessary vaccines, medications and advice before you travel.

If you wish to travel in Eritrea outside of the capital Asmara you will need to apply for a permit, which may take several days to be granted. Asmara boasts three public hospitals. Although there are medical facilities in other towns, these are basic and often suffer from lack of equipment and staff. If you’re travelling in the countryside, carry a well-stocked medical kit with you. It’s also recommended to take a satellite phone to summon help in the event of an emergency, as the mobile phone network in Eritrea is notoriously unreliable.

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