Cameroon
Dental care with internationally trained dentists is available on a limited basis in Yaounde & Douala.
There are some supplies of international medications available and pharmacists are licensed
Blood supplies should be considered as unsafe in Cameroon
Medical facilities in Cameroon are limited. Sanitation levels are low, even in the best hospitals. Not all medicines are available. Travelers are advised to bring their own supplies.
Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary.
Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood, rare meat or dairy products. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors.
Swim only in well-maintained, chlorinated pools or ocean water known to be free from pollution; avoid freshwater lakes, streams and rivers. Wear clothing which reduces exposed skin and apply repellents containing DEET to remaining areas. Sleep in well-screened accommodations. Carry anti-diarrheal medication. Reduce problems related to sun exposure by using sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen lotions and lip protection.
AIDS occurs. Blood supply may not be adequately screened and/or single-use, disposable needles and syringes may be unavailable. When possible, travelers should defer medical treatment until reaching a facility where safety can be assured.
Walking barefoot is hazardous as fungus infections and worms are easily contracted.
Climatic conditions of heat, dust and temperature fluctuation cause a high incidence of upper respiratory infections, coughs and colds - compounding problems for sufferers of hay fever, allergies or asthma.
Daytime summer heat can cause sunstroke and heat exhaustion.
The high concentration of carbon dioxide gas remaining dissolved in Lake Nyos represents a potential hazard for the release of another asphyxiating cloud of gas. Other lakes in northwest Cameroon may pose a similar threat.
Insect-borne diseases: are major causes of illness. Many diseases, including yellow fever, are endemic, with only scattered cases being reported and, from time to time, more extensive outbreaks.
Dengue fever - occurs
Filariasis - prevalent
Leishmaniasis - occurs (both cutaneous and visceral types may be found, particularly in the drier areas)
Loiasis - prevalent
Malaria - prevalent
Onchocerciasis (river blindness) - prevalent
Relapsing fever - occurs
Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) - occurs (human type is reported - mainly in small, isolated areas)
Typhus - occurs (louse-, flea-, and tick-borne types occur)
Food-borne and water-borne illness: highly endemic. The dysenteries and diarrheal diseases, giardiasis, the typhoid fevers and viral hepatitis are widespread. Echinococcosis (hydatid disease) is widespread in animal-breeding areas.
Cholera - occurs
Dracunculiasis - occurs
Helminthic (parasitic worm) infections - prevalent
Schistosomiasis - common
Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over 1 year of age coming from all countries.
