Mauretanien

Country fact file

Allgemeine Informationen

The information on these pages should be used to research health risks and to inform the pre-travel consultation. Travellers should check the Foreign Office Travel Advice country-specific travel advice page (where available) which provides information on travel entry requirements in addition to safety and security advice. Travellers should ideally arrange an appointment with their health professional at least four to six weeks before travel. However, even if time is short, an appointment is still worthwhile. This appointment provides an opportunity to assess health risks taking into account a number of factors including destination, medical history, and planned activities. For those with pre-existing health problems, an earlier appointment is recommended. All travellers should ensure they have adequate travel health insurance. A list of useful resources including advice on how to reduce the risk of certain health problems is available below.

Ressourcen

• Food and water hygiene

• Insect and tick bite avoidance

• Personal safety

• Sonnenschutz

What vaccinations do I need for Mauritania?

Details of vaccination recommendations and requirements are provided below.

All travellers

Travellers should be up to date with routine vaccination courses and boosters as recommended in the UK. These vaccinations include for example measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine. Country-specific diphtheria recommendations are not provided here. Diphtheria tetanus and polio are combined in a single vaccine in the UK. Therefore, when a tetanus booster is recommended for travellers, diphtheria vaccine is also given. Should there be an outbreak of diphtheria in a country, diphtheria vaccination guidance will be provided. Those who may be at increased risk of an infectious disease due to their work, lifestyle choice, or certain underlying health problems should be up to date with additional recommended vaccines. See details on the selective immunisation programmes and additional vaccines for individuals with underlying medical conditions at the bottom of the 'Complete routine immunisation schedule' document and the individual chapters of the 'Green Book' Immunisation against infectious disease for further details.

Certificate requirements

Please read the information below carefully, as certificate requirements may be relevant to certain travellers only. For travellers further details, if required, should be sought from their healthcare professional. There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in parts of Mauritania (see ‘Some Travellers’ section below). Under International Health Regulations, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. According to World Health Organization (WHO), from 11 July 2016 (for all countries), the yellow fever certificate will be valid for the duration of the life of the person vaccinated. As a consequence, a valid certificate, presented by arriving travellers, cannot be rejected on the grounds that more than ten years have passed since the date vaccination became effective as stated on the certificate; and that boosters or revaccination cannot be required. View the WHO list of countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Most travellers

The vaccines in this section are recommended for most travellers visiting this country. Information on these vaccines can be found by clicking on the blue arrow. Vaccines are listed alphabetically.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection transmitted through contaminated food and water or by direct contact with an infectious person. Symptoms are often mild or absent in young children, but the disease can be more serious with advancing age. Recovery can vary from weeks to months. Following hepatitis A infection immunity is lifelong.

Prävention

All travellers should take care with personal, food and water hygiene.

Hepatitis-A-Impfung

As hepatitis A vaccine is well tolerated and affords long-lasting protection, it is recommended for all previously unvaccinated travellers.

Hepatitis A in brief

Tetanus

Tetanus is caused by a toxin released from Clostridium tetani bacteria and occurs worldwide. Tetanus bacteria are present in soil and manure and may be introduced through open wounds such as a puncture wound, burn or scratch.

Prävention

Travellers should thoroughly clean all wounds and seek medical attention for injuries such as animal bites/scratches, burns or wounds contaminated with soil.

Tetanus vaccination

Travellers should have completed a tetanus vaccination course according to the UK schedule. If travelling to a country or area where medical facilities may be limited, a booster dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine is recommended if the last dose was more than ten years ago even if five doses of vaccine have been given previously. Country-specific information on medical facilities may be found in the 'health' section of the FCDO foreign travel advice pages.

Tetanus in brief

Typhus

Typhoid is a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food and water. Previous typhoid illness may only partially protect against re-infection.

Prävention

All travellers should take care with personal, food and water hygiene.

Typhus-Impfung

Oral and injectable typhoid vaccinations are available.

Typhoid in brief

Some travellers

The vaccines in this section are recommended for some travellers visiting this country. Information on when these vaccines should be considered can be found by clicking on the arrow. Vaccines are listed alphabetically.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes which bite mainly during daytime hours. It causes a flu-like illness and can cause severe joint and muscles pains which usually improve in 1–2 weeks but may persist for months or years. It is rarely fatal. This country has not reported chikungunya cases but shares a large land border with a country that has evidence of recent transmission. Information on current outbreaks, where available, will be reported on our outbreak surveillance database.

Prävention

Travellers should avoid mosquito bites, particularly during daytime hours.

Chikungunya vaccination

Vaccination is not usually recommended. Exceptionally, vaccination can be considered for individuals aged 12 years and older. In these situations, further expert advice should be considered. The final decision on vaccination rests with the health professional and the traveller after a detailed risk assessment has been performed. Detailed advice about the use and contraindications of the chikungunya vaccines will be available in the green book chikungunya chapter in the coming months.

Chikungunya in brief

Cholera

Cholera is a bacterial infection transmitted by contaminated food and water. Cholera can cause severe watery diarrhoea although mild infections are common. Most travellers are at low risk.

Prävention

All travellers should take care with personal, food and water hygiene.

Cholera-Impfung

This oral vaccine is recommended for those whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk. This includes: aid workers, those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to safe water and medical care, and those for whom vaccination is considered potentially beneficial.

Cholera in brief

Denguefieber

Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes which mainly feed during daytime hours. It causes a flu-like illness, which can occasionally develop into a more serious life-threatening illness. Severe dengue is rare in travellers. The mosquitoes that spread dengue are more common in towns, cities and surrounding areas. There is a risk of dengue in this country. Information on current outbreaks, where available, will be reported on our outbreak surveillance database.

Prävention

Travellers should avoid mosquito bites, particularly during daytime hours.

Dengue vaccination

Vaccination can be considered for individuals aged 4 years of age and older who have had dengue infection in the past and who are: travelling to areas where there is a risk of dengue infection or areas with an ongoing outbreak of dengue, or are exposed to dengue virus through their work, such as laboratory staff working with the virus. Exceptionally, vaccination can be considered in those who have not had dengue in the past. In these situations, further expert advice should be considered.

Dengue in brief

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection spread through blood, semen and vaginal fluids. This mostly occurs during sexual contact or as a result of blood-to-blood contact (for example from contaminated equipment during medical and dental procedures, tattooing or body piercing procedures, and sharing of intravenous needles). Mothers with the virus can also pass on the infection to their baby during childbirth. This country is considered to have an intermediate or high prevalence of hepatitis B.

Prävention

Travellers should avoid contact with blood or body fluids, including: avoiding unprotected sexual intercourse, avoiding tattooing, piercing, public shaving, and acupuncture (unless sterile equipment is used), not sharing needles or other injection equipment, and following universal precautions if working in a healthcare or other higher risk setting.

Hepatitis B vaccination

Vaccination could be considered for all travellers and is recommended for those whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk.

Hepatitis B in brief

Tollwut

Rabies is a viral infection which is usually transmitted following contact with the saliva of an infected animal most often via a bite, scratch or lick to an open wound or mucous membrane. Although many different animals can transmit the virus, most cases follow a bite or scratch from an infected dog. In some parts of the world, bats are an important source of infection. Rabies symptoms can take some time to develop, but when they do, the condition is almost always fatal.

Prävention

Travellers should avoid contact with all animals. Rabies is preventable with prompt post-exposure treatment. Following a possible exposure, wounds should be thoroughly cleansed and an urgent local medical assessment sought, even if the wound appears trivial. Post-exposure treatment and advice should be in accordance with national guidelines.

Tollwut-Impfung

A full course of pre-exposure vaccines simplifies and shortens the course of post-exposure treatment and removes the need for rabies immunoglobulin which is in short supply worldwide. Pre-exposure vaccinations are recommended for travellers whose activities put them at increased risk including: those at risk due to their work, those travelling to areas where access to post-exposure treatment and medical care is limited, those planning higher risk activities, and long-stay travellers (more than one month).

Rabies in brief

Tuberkulose

TB is a bacterial infection most commonly affecting the lungs but can affect any part of the body. When a person with TB in their lungs or throat coughs or sneezes, they could pass TB on to other people. TB is curable but can be serious if not treated. The BCG vaccination helps to protect some people, particularly babies and young children who are at increased risk from TB. This country has reported an annual TB incidence of greater than or equal to 40 cases per 100,000 population at least once in the last five years.

Prävention

Travellers should avoid close contact with individuals known to have infectious pulmonary or laryngeal TB. Those at risk during their work should take appropriate infection control and prevention precautions.

Tuberculosis (BCG) vaccination

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk of developing severe disease and/or of exposure to TB infection. There are specific contraindications to BCG vaccine. Health professionals must be trained and assessed as competent to administer this vaccine intradermally.

Tuberculosis in brief

Gelbfieber

Yellow fever is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes which predominantly feed between dawn and dusk. Symptoms may be absent or mild, but in severe cases it can cause internal bleeding, organ failure and death. There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in parts of this country.

Prävention

Travellers should avoid mosquito bites at all times.

Gelbfieber-Impfung

Vaccination is recommended for travellers aged 9 months and older going to areas south of the Sahara desert. Vaccination is not recommended for those whose travel is limited to areas in the Sahara desert.

Yellow fever in brief

What is the malaria risk in Mauritania?

Malaria is a serious illness caused by infection of red blood cells with a parasite called Plasmodium. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes which predominantly feed between dusk and dawn. Symptoms usually begin with a fever of 38°C (100°F) or more. Other symptoms may include feeling cold and shivery, headache, nausea, vomiting and aching muscles. Symptoms may appear between eight days and one year after the infected mosquito bite. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is required as people with malaria can deteriorate quickly. Those at higher risk of malaria, or of severe complications from malaria, include pregnant women, infants and young children, the elderly, travellers who do not have a functioning spleen and those visiting friends and relatives.

Prävention

Travellers should follow an ABCD guide to preventing malaria:

Awareness of the risk – Risk depends on the specific location, season of travel, length of stay, activities and type of accommodation.

Bite prevention – Travellers should take mosquito bite avoidance measures.

Chemoprophylaxis – Travellers should take antimalarials if appropriate for the area. No antimalarials are 100% effective but taking them in combination with mosquito bite avoidance measures will give substantial protection against malaria.

Diagnosis – Travellers who develop a fever of 38°C [100°F] or higher more than one week after being in a malaria risk area, or who develop any symptoms suggestive of malaria within a year of return should seek immediate medical care. Emergency standby treatment may be considered for those going to remote areas with limited access to medical attention.

Risk areas

There is a high risk of malaria throughout the year in the southern provinces of Mauritania: atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline OR mefloquine recommended.

There is a high risk of malaria in the northern provinces from July to October inclusive: atovaquone/proguanil OR doxycycline OR mefloquine recommended.

There is a low risk of malaria in the northern provinces during the rest of the year: awareness of risk and bite avoidance recommended.

Special risk groups

In low risk areas, antimalarials may be considered in exceptional circumstances for travellers who are at higher risk of malaria or of severe complications from malaria. The final decision whether or not to advise antimalarials rests with the travel health advisor and the traveller after individual risk assessment. Travellers with an absent or poorly functioning spleen should be dissuaded from travel to any area with risk of malaria. Where travel is essential, awareness, rigorous bite avoidance and antimalarials should be advised, even for the low risk areas.

Recommended antimalarials

The recommended antimalarials are listed below. They are recommended for certain areas and/or certain months only. If these are not suitable please seek further specialist advice. Please note, the advice for children is different, the dose is based on body weight and some antimalarials are not suitable.

Atovaquone/Proguanil

Atovaquone 250mg/Proguanil 100mg combination preparation: start one to two days before arrival in the malaria risk area for adults, one tablet is taken every day, ideally at the same time of day for the duration of the time in a malaria risk area and daily for seven days after leaving the malaria risk area, take with a fatty meal if possible for children paediatric tablets are available and the dose is based on body weight.

Doxycyclin

Doxycycline 100mg: start one to two days before arrival in the malaria risk area, adults and children over 12 years of age take 100mg daily, ideally at the same time of day for the duration of the time in a malaria risk area and daily for four weeks after leaving the malaria risk area, take with food if possible; avoid taking this drug just before lying down, not suitable for children under 12 years of age.

Mefloquin

Mefloquine 250mg: this drug is taken weekly, adults take one 250mg tablet each week, start two to three weeks before arrival in the malaria risk area and continue weekly until four weeks after leaving the malaria risk area for children the dose is based on the body weight.

Ressourcen

• Malaria in brief

• Malaria factsheet

• Insect and tick bite avoidance

• Children's antimalarial dose table

• Malaria prevention guidelines for travellers from the UK

What are the other health risks in Mauritania?

There are some risks that are relevant to all travellers regardless of destination. These may for example include road traffic and other accidents, diseases transmitted by insects or ticks, diseases transmitted by contaminated food and water, or health issues related to the heat or cold. Some additional risks are mentioned below and are presented alphabetically.

Biting insects or ticks

Insect or tick bites can cause irritation and infections of the skin at the site of a bite. They can also spread certain diseases. There is a risk of insect or tick-borne diseases in some areas of West Africa.

Prävention

All travellers should avoid insect and tick bites day and night. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent these diseases.

Influenza

Seasonal influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory tract and spreads easily from person to person via respiratory droplets when coughing and sneezing. Symptoms appear rapidly and include fever, muscle aches, headache, malaise, cough, sore throat and a runny nose. In healthy individuals, symptoms improve without treatment within two to seven days. Severe illness is more common in those aged 65 years or over, those under 2 years of age, or those who have underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for complications of influenza.

Prävention

All travellers should: Avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, avoid crowded conditions where possible, wash their hands frequently, and practice ‘cough hygiene’.

Verfügbarkeit des Impfstoffs

In the UK, seasonal influenza vaccine is offered routinely each year to those at higher risk of developing severe disease following influenza infection, and certain additional groups such as healthcare workers and children as part of the UK national schedule.

Avian influenza in brief

Outdoor air quality

Poor air quality is a significant public health problem in many parts of the world. Exposure to high levels of air pollution over short time periods and longer time periods is linked to many acute and chronic health problems.

Prävention

Travellers with health problems that might make them more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution who are travelling to areas of high pollution should discuss their travel plans with their doctor, and carry adequate supplies of their regular medication.

Current information on world air quality

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection. Schistosoma larvae are released from infected freshwater snails and can penetrate intact human skin following contact with contaminated freshwater. Travellers may be exposed during activities such as wading, swimming, bathing or washing clothes in freshwater streams, rivers or lakes.

Prävention

There is no vaccine or tablets to prevent schistosomiasis. All travellers should avoid wading, swimming, or bathing in fresh water.

Sexuell übertragbare Infektionen

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a group of viral, bacterial and parasitic infections spread during sexual intercourse or by intimate contact. Risk is higher for travellers who: have sex without a condom, have sex with new or casual partners, engage in sex tourism, and have sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Prävention

Using condoms consistently and correctly with new or casual partners is the most effective way to reduce risk of STIs. Travellers can also reduce their risk of STIs by ensuring they are up to date for all UK recommended vaccines.

Source and disclaimer

This travel health information is based on data supplied by NaTHNaC (the National Travel Health Network and Centre). All intellectual property rights in the data are owned by NaTHNaC. It must not be copied, reproduced, distributed, amended or offered for sale without NaTHNaC’s prior written consent.
Patient.info ensures that this information is reviewed and updated on at least a weekly basis. However, NaTHNaC’s data is accurate only as at the date it was prepared, and Patient.info is solely responsible for maintaining its accuracy and completeness after that date. NaTHNaC accepts no liability for the use of this data by Patient.info or its users.