Senegal

Yellow fever is present throughout Senegal, and vaccination is recommended for most travellers aged nine months and over. Yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause severe fever, jaundice, and in serious cases internal bleeding and organ failure.

Senegal does not currently require proof of vaccination for travellers arriving from Australia. However, some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination for travellers arriving from Senegal, so having the certificate may be necessary when planning onward travel.

The vaccine is given as a single injection at a registered yellow fever vaccination centre, takes effect within ten days, and provides lifelong immunity in the great majority of people. A doctor should review your individual health history before the vaccine is given, as it is not appropriate for everyone.

Senegal lies within Africa's meningitis belt, the band of sub-Saharan countries where meningococcal disease, a bacterial infection of the lining around the brain and spinal cord, circulates at much higher rates than in Australia.

Meningococcal disease can cause death or permanent disability without rapid treatment. Meningococcal vaccination with the MenACWY quadrivalent vaccine is recommended, particularly for travel during the dry season from November through June, especially if prolonged contact with the local population is likely. A travel doctor can advise on timing and schedule.

Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection spread through contaminated food and water, and vaccination is recommended for all previously unvaccinated travellers because it is well tolerated and provides long-lasting protection. Symptoms of hepatitis A range from mild nausea and fatigue to weeks of jaundice and significant illness, with older travellers tending to experience more serious disease.

Two doses provide durable, long-term protection, and many Australians have not yet completed the course, so it is worth checking your vaccination history with a travel doctor before leaving.

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, picked up through contaminated food or water. It causes a persistent high temperature, headache, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort that can worsen significantly if not treated with antibiotics.

Vaccination for typhoid fever is recommended for most travellers to Senegal, and is particularly important for those eating outside well-managed hotel kitchens, visiting local markets, spending time in smaller towns, or staying with friends or relatives. It is important to continue food and water hygiene measures alongside vaccination.

Rabies is present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is carried by dogs and other mammals, including wildlife. Pre-exposure vaccination should be considered for travellers spending extended periods in rural areas, undertaking wildlife activities, or visiting remote regions where urgent medical care and post-exposure treatment may be difficult to access. Any bite, scratch, or contact with animal saliva on broken skin requires immediate wound washing and prompt medical assessment, regardless of vaccination status.

Mpox, previously called monkeypox, is a viral infection that can spread through close physical contact, including skin-to-skin contact and sexual contact, as well as contact with contaminated clothing, bedding or other items.

To reduce risk of Mpox transmission, avoid close contact with anyone who has an unexplained rash or blisters, practise safer sex, and avoid touching sick or dead animals. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

If you develop a new rash, fever, swollen glands or other symptoms during or after your trip, seek medical advice and tell your doctor about your recent travel to Senegal.

Measles is a very contagious viral infection that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or breathes. The virus can remain in the air of a room even after an infected person has left.

Symptoms of measles usually begin with fever, tiredness, cough, a runny nose and sore eyes, followed by a characteristic red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads down the body. Measles can sometimes cause serious complications, including ear infections, pneumonia and inflammation of the brain.

Outbreaks of the virus continue to occur in many countries, so all Australian travellers should ensure they are covered before travelling overseas. If you were born in 1966 or later you need to have received two doses of measles-containing vaccine.

Polio is a highly infectious viral illness that spreads mainly through contaminated food and water. It can cause fever, headache, muscle weakness and, in some cases, permanent paralysis.

Circulating poliovirus has been identified in Senegal, so travellers should ensure they are fully protected against polio before departure. Adults who completed their childhood vaccinations may need a single booster dose before travel. A travel doctor can check your vaccination history and advise whether a booster is needed.

Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver and spreads through infected blood and bodily fluids, including through unprotected sex, non-sterile medical or dental equipment, and contaminated tattoo or piercing equipment.

Vaccination is recommended for many travellers to Senegal. Younger Australians have often been vaccinated against hepatitis B as children, so check your records and speak with a travel doctor if you are unsure whether you are protected.

A trip to Senegal is a good reason to check that all standard vaccinations are current, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, hepatitis B, and polio.

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all travellers aged six months and over. COVID-19 vaccination should be up to date in line with current Australian guidance, including booster doses for those aged 65 and over or with relevant underlying health conditions.