Health

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Vaccinations * Seek advice from your doctor or an institute for tropical medicine on which vaccinations are appropriate for travel to Ethiopia. Because different vaccinations may be required, it is advisable to plan ahead.

General * Upset stomach and diarrhoea are by far the most common inflictions for travellers to Ethiopia. The risk of these illnesses can be reduced significantly by following some basic rules of thumb: Do not eat unpeeled raw vegetables, salad or similar vegetables (Boil it! Peel it! Or leave it!). Pass on the fish (only eat fresh fish from local lakes). Be sure to use water only in it’s original bottle (even when brushing your teeth).

Malaria * The Anopheles mosquito, which transmits malaria, generally does not fly at altitudes above 1,800 – 2,200 metres. Because a large part of the country lies at high altitude, there is a low or no-risk of malaria in these regions (i.e. Addis Ababa at 2,400 metres, Lalibela at 2,600 metres, Gondar at 2,100 metres and Axum at 2,150 metres). In the lower parts of the country, like the Great African Rift Valley, the danger of malaria infection increases. Vaccines can protect against malaria to a large extent. However, some additional preventative measures can also be taken, particularly in the evenings: Wear long-sleeved clothing and socks, use mosquito repellent and sleep under a mosquito net.

Bilharzia or Schistosomiasis * Fresh water presents a risk of infection from Bilharzia. It is therefore not recommended to swim in the lakes and rivers of Ethiopia.