Benin Travel Guide
HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR TRAVEL IN BENIN
Visitors to Benin are advised to visit their medical practitioner 4 – 6 weeks prior to departure to ensure that all vaccinations are up to date.
Travelers who are taking regular medications should carry them properly labeled and in sufficient quantity to last for the duration of their trip; Do not expect to find your prescription drugs or even over-the-counter medication in Benin.
Yellow fever is a risk in Benin, and the Benin government requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entering the country from all travelers except infants.
Malaria is a risk in most African countries, more so in West Africa, and travelers are advised to take extreme measures to prevent contraction of the disease. It is transmitted by the bite of an infectious female Anopheles mosquito and can be fatal.
The symptoms are flu-like, including fever, headaches and a general feeling of discomfort. Although malaria can be successfully treated if diagnosed in time, it is always better to take preventative measures. Your medical practitioner will prescribe prohylaxis which should be taken a couple of weeks before departure and then throughout your stay in Benin.
Mosquitos are most active between dusk and dawn, and therefore travelers should take the utmost care by covering up as much as they can once the sun sets. Take enough anti-repellant creams or sprays, and cover the whole body with it before getting dressed.
Seek medical advice immediately if you experience any symptoms that might indicate malaria.
Medical facilities in Benin are limited, especially outside major towns, and for this reason travelers should carry a medical kit as well as antibiotics to treat diarrhea or other infections.
Hospitals and clinics can be found in Cotonou, Porto Novo and Tanguieta.
The Zika virus is also endemic in Benin. Although its risk to travelers is considered low, pregnant women should discuss their travel plans with their local doctor before departure as Zika cause birth defects in babies.
Visitors to Benin should also take vaccinations against Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid and Meningitis. Benin is part of the “meningitis belt” of sub-Saharan Africa and the disease is most common during the dry season which is December to June.
The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise travelers to Benin to check with their Traveler Information Center for more information if they have specific health needs like pregnant women or if they have immune deficiencies. They also warn travelers to pack extra health supplies in case of delays in travel arrangements.
Take a suture / syringe kit to be used by a local health care provider, accompanied by a letter from the doctor on his / her letterhead.
Diabetics should take their own testing supplies and insulin.
The following list of general over-the-counter medicines to be included in your medical kit will just ensure your peace of mind in case you visit an area where there are no pharmacies or doctors nearby:
Antacid
Antihistamine
Motion sickness medicine
Cough Drops
Cough Suppressant / expectorant
Medicine against pain or fever
Laxative
Mild sedative or other sleeping aid
Saline nose spray
Eye drops
Insect bite treatment
Antibacterial ointments
Antiseptic wound cleanser
Insect repellent
Water purification tablets
Bed net
And always remember the sunscreen!!!
