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Senegal (Africa)

Advice for All Destinations Vaccinations Malaria Malaria Map Other Health Risks Alerts News

Advice for All Destinations

Vaccinations and malaria risk

Review both the Vaccination and Malaria sections on this page to find out if you may need vaccines and/or a malaria risk assessment before you travel to this country.

If you think you require vaccines and/or malaria risk assessment, you should make an appointment with a travel health professional:

A travel health risk assessment is also advisable for some people, even when vaccines or malaria tablets are not required.

Risk prevention advice 

Many of the health risks experienced by travellers cannot be prevented by vaccines and other measures need to be taken.

Always make sure you understand the wider risks at your destination and take precautions, including:

Our advice section gives detailed information on minimising specific health risks abroad:

Other health considerations

Make sure you have travel insurance before travel to cover healthcare abroad.

Find out if there are any restrictions you need to consider if you are travelling with medicines.

Know how to access healthcare at your destination: see the GOV.UK English speaking doctors and medical facilities: worldwide list

If you feel unwell on your return home from travelling abroad, always seek advice from a healthcare professional and let them know your travel history.

Vaccinations

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Malaria

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes.You cannot be vaccinated against malaria.

Malaria precautions

Malaria Map
  • Malaria risk is high throughout the year in all areas. The risk is less from January to June in central western regions. 
  • Malaria precautions are essential. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net.
  • Check with your doctor or nurse about suitable antimalarial tablets.
  • See malaria map – additional information can be found by clicking on the Regional Information icon below the map.
  • High risk areas: atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline OR mefloquine is usually advised.
  • If you have been travelling in a malarious area and develop a fever seek medical attention promptly. Remember malaria can develop even up to one year after exposure.
  • If travelling to an area remote from medical facilities, carrying standby emergency treatment for malaria may be considered.

Other Health Risks

Dengue Fever

A severe flu-like illness that is spread to humans by mosquito bites. The mosquito that spreads dengue bites during the day, from dawn until dusk. Symptoms of dengue include a sudden onset of fever, headache, severe joint, bone and muscle pains - hence its other name 'break bone fever'. You can protect yourself from dengue by avoiding mosquito bites at all times of the day. A dengue vaccine is available in the UK but is only recommended for some travellers that have been infected with dengue in the past.  For further information see Dengue Fever. 

Schistosomiasis

A parasitic infection (also known as bilharzia) that is transmitted to humans through contact with fresh water. The parasite enters humans through the skin and prevention is dependant on avoidance of swimming, bathing or paddling in fresh water lakes and streams. For further information see Schistosomiasis. 

Alerts

Polio Vaccination Exit Recommendations

If you are visiting this country for longer than 4 weeks, you may be advised to have a booster dose of a polio-containing vaccine if you have not had one in the past 12 months. You should carry proof of having had this vaccination. Please speak to a travel health professional to discuss.

Zika Virus Infection

This country has been categorised as having a risk of Zika (ZIKV) virus transmission.

ZIKV is mainly spread through mosquito bites. The mosquito responsible most commonly bites during daylight hours and is common in towns and cities. 

The illness is usually mild but infection during pregnancy may lead to babies being born with birth defects. There is no vaccine currently available against ZIKV.

Advice for All Travellers

You should practice strict mosquito bite avoidance at all times.
Do not travel without adequate travel insurance.
Seek pre-travel health advice from a travel health professional 6 to 8 weeks in advance of travel.

Additional recommendations for pregnant travellers or those planning pregnancy

If you are planning pregnancy in the very near future you should consider whether you should avoid travel to this country.

  • If you visit this country while pregnant, or become pregnant within 2 months after leaving this country you should:
    • contact your GP, obstetrician or midwife for further advice, even if you have not been unwell or had any symptoms of ZIKV infection
    • use barrier methods of contraception during and after travel and for the duration of your pregnancy, even in you have not been unwell or had any symptoms of ZIKV infection
  • You should avoid becoming pregnant while travelling in this country
    • If you develop symptoms of ZIKV infection, it is recommended that you avoid becoming pregnant for a further 2 months following your recovery
  • If you are planning pregnancy, you should use barrier methods of contraception during travel and for:
    • 2 months afterwards if you are female
    • 3 months afterwards if you are male or if both partners travelled

These measures reduce the chance of sexual transmission of ZIKV and/or the risk of ZIKV infection in pregnancy.

For further information, see Zika virus infection page.

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