Large outbreaks of yellow fever occur periodically in the unvaccinated population. Foodborne and waterborne diseases are highly endemic. Alimentary helminthic infections, the dysenteries and diarrheal diseases, including giardiasis, typhoid fever , and hepatitis A and E are widespread. Cholera is actively transmitted in many countries in this area. Hepatitis B is hyperendemic.
Trachoma is widespread.
Among other diseases, certain, frequently fatal, arenavirus hemorrhagic fevers have attained notoriety. Lassa fever has a virus reservoir in a commonly found rat. The Ebola and Marburg hemorrhagic fevers are present but reported only infrequently. Epidemics of meningococcal meningitis may occur throughout tropical Africa, particularly in the savanna areas during the dry season. Other hazards include rabies and snake bites.