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.
Travel Vaccinations for Madagascar
Vaccines To Consider When Visiting Madagascar
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 Madagascar. London Travel Clinic offers a range of antimalarials to keep you protected
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Destination Information for Madagascar
Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. It floats in the Indian Ocean off the East coast of Africa. Around 90% of the wildlife in Madagascar is unique to the island, and for nature-lovers and tourists alike there really is nowhere else quite like it in the world. About a quarter of all primates in the world find their home here, as well as hundreds of species of frogs, bats and spiders. There’s plenty to do in Madagascar away from the wildlife, too. Beautiful beaches, excellent surfing, scuba diving, rock climbing and caving means adventure addicts and sun-seekers will find this an island paradise for all sorts of reasons.
Antananarivo, the capital city in the centre of the island, is referred to as ‘Tana’ by the locals. There’s no real tourism here, although it is the main entry and exit point for Madagascar, so most tourists will visit the city. The area around Antsirabe, just south of the capital is a hotspot for adventure sports, and here you can join an organised excursion or head off exploring yourself. There are a number of National Parks in Madagascar, and the largest of these is Tsingy de Bemaraha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s a huge variety of flora and fauna, including aloes and orchids, and the forest is home to over 50 species of tropical birds.
Madagascar truly is the ideal destination for anyone with a sense of adventure who wants to explore one of the most unique and beautiful places on the planet. It’s best to visit during the dry season from April to October.
The recommended vaccines here include hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus, diphtheria and polio. For more information on other recommended vaccines, please visit one of our travel clinics for a consultation to find out exactly what you need.
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:
- Food and water hygiene
- Insect and animal bite avoidances
- Personal safety
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Sun protection
- Altitude sickness
Malaria and regions within country:
There is a high risk of P.Falciparum malaria throughout the country.
Additional Health Risks Information for Madagascar
Although there is only one small area of Madagascar, Batterie Beach, north of Toliara, which is advised against for travel, visitors to the island should take great care, wherever their specific destination. The political situation here is unstable since the transition to a democracy in 2014, and protests can become violent, particular in the capital, and in the south and south-east of the country. Be particularly vigilant in crowded areas and when travelling or walking at night. If possible travel as part of an organised tour with a local guide who can advise on specific security concerns if necessary.
A Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers aged over 9 months arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Malaria is present consult a travel clinic for the necessary medication.
Other than criminal activity, one of the biggest risks to your health and safety while in Madagascar is from the weather. The cyclone season is from November to April, affecting the whole island and particularly coastal areas. Flooding, water damage, contaminated water supplies and inaccessible roads are to be expected. Follow local advice on what to do if you are present when a tropical cyclone takes place, and plan journeys in advance taking plenty of extra supplies in case you get stuck.
There are hospitals available for basic or routine treatment in the capital Antananarivo. Anything more complex will require evacuation for treatment in a neighbouring country.
