Travellers arriving from non-endemic zones should note that vaccination is strongly recommended for travel outside the urban areas, even if an outbreak of the disease has not been reported and they would normally not require a vaccination certificate to enter the country. However, at the beginning of 2000, an outbreak of cholera was reported, and precautions are recommended for those likely to be at risk. See the Health appendix. Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists all year throughout the country. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.
Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of stay.
Drinking water outside main cities and towns is likely to be contaminated and sterilisation is considered essential. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well- cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot.