Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Swimming pools which are well-chlorinated and maintained are safe.
Trachoma is widespread.
Wear shoes to avoid soil-borne infections. Hepatitis A is present and hepatitis B is hyperendemic. An epidemic of meningococcal meningitis in 2000 affected a number of areas including Vakaga, Bamingui-Bangoran, Haute Katto and Ouham Pend. Vaccination is strongly recommended. Rabies is present.