Congo

Yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes that predominantly feed between dawn and dusk, although biting can also occur at night, particularly in jungle environments.

While symptoms may be mild or even absent, severe cases can lead to internal bleeding, organ failure, and death.

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to the Republic of Congo, and the vaccine should be received at least ten days before arrival in the country.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver spread via contaminated food or water, and illness can range from a mild, short-lived flu-like episode to a more prolonged disease with jaundice, dark urine, nausea, and marked fatigue lasting weeks.

Because exposure can occur even with careful eating in restaurants or hotels in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, vaccination is strongly recommended for most travellers to the Republic of Congo. The course involves two injections spaced several months apart and provides long-term protection in the majority of recipients.

Food and water hygiene remains important after Hepatitis A vaccine.

Typhoid fever is a systemic bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, transmitted via contaminated food and water. It typically presents with a gradually rising and sustained high fever, headache, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and marked fatigue, and can progress to intestinal complications or bloodstream infection if untreated. Risk is higher when eating outside controlled hotel settings, in local markets, or in smaller towns and rural areas beyond the main cities.

Vaccination is recommended for most travellers to the Republic of Congo, although it only partially reduces risk, so strict food and water precautions remain essential throughout travel.

Rabies is an important health risk in the Republic of Congo and is present in both domestic dogs and wildlife, including bats. It is almost always fatal once symptoms develop. Vaccination coverage in animals is uneven, especially outside major cities, and access to post-exposure treatment may be limited or unavailable in many areas.

Travellers should avoid contact with all animals during their stay, including stray dogs, bats, and wildlife in forested regions. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is recommended for those spending time in rural areas, on longer trips, or participating in higher-risk activities such as forest trekking or wildlife viewing.

Any bite, scratch, or saliva contact with broken skin, eyes or mouth should be treated as significant. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water immediately and seek medical care without delay, even if vaccinated.

Measles spreads readily through the air and produces fever, cough, and a characteristic rash that begins on the face before extending across the body. The Republic of Congo continues to experience outbreaks of the virus. Australians born during or since 1966 require two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine. Vaccination status should be confirmed with a travel doctor well before departure.

Polio is a viral disease transmitted mainly via the faecal–oral route through contaminated food or water. While most infections are asymptomatic or mild, the virus can in some cases invade the nervous system and cause irreversible paralysis, particularly affecting the legs or respiratory muscles.

Due to ongoing circulation of poliovirus in parts of the world, a single adult booster dose is recommended for many travellers, even if they completed childhood immunisation.

A travel doctor can review prior vaccination history and determine whether a booster is appropriate based on individual risk and travel itinerary

Hepatitis B is a bloodborne viral infection affecting the liver and transmitted through exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids, most commonly during unprotected sexual contact or via non-sterile medical, dental, tattooing, or piercing procedures.

Hepatitis B is more prevalent in the Republic of Congo than in Australia, and limited healthcare infrastructure increases the importance of prevention, as even unexpected medical care or emergency procedures may carry a risk if sterilisation standards are not assured.

Many Australians have been vaccinated in childhood, but immunity is not universal, so vaccination status and antibody protection should be checked prior to travel.

Mpox is a viral infection that can spread through close physical contact, including skin-to-skin contact, respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face exposure, and contact with contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing. Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive rash that can progress to painful lesions.

In the Republic of Congo, risk is generally linked to outbreaks rather than constant widespread transmission, but exposure can occur depending on activities and close-contact environments.

Vaccination may be considered for travellers at higher risk, including those undertaking extended stays, working in healthcare or community settings, or anticipating close physical contact in affected areas. A travel doctor can assess individual risk and advise whether pre-exposure vaccination is appropriate.

Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholera bacteria. It can cause sudden onset of profuse watery diarrhoea and rapid dehydration, which can become severe without prompt fluid replacement.

In the Republic of Congo, risk is mainly linked to areas where sanitation and clean water access are limited, and outbreaks may occur unpredictably. Most travellers are at relatively low risk if strict food and water hygiene is followed, but oral cholera vaccination may be considered for those travelling to higher-risk settings, prolonged stays, or areas with known outbreaks.

Vaccination is used as an additional protective measure alongside careful attention to safe drinking water, food handling, and hand hygiene.

Travel to the Republic of Congo is a good opportunity to check that routine vaccinations are up to date, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Maintaining these vaccines helps protect against infections that are still seen more commonly in many overseas settings.

A tetanus booster should be considered if more than 10 years have passed since the last dose, particularly for travellers who may be hiking, trekking, or spending time outdoors where minor cuts or wounds can occur and medical care may be less accessible.

Annual influenza vaccination is also recommended, as influenza circulates year-round in tropical regions rather than showing a clear winter season as in Australia. COVID-19 vaccination should remain current in line with Australian guidance, including additional booster doses for older adults and those with underlying health conditions.