Health & Safety precautions when travelling to São Tomé
Disease prevention and vaccination
Before you embark on your journey to São Tomé and Príncipe, it's crucial to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date. This includes inoculations for chickenpox, DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), flu, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), polio, and shingles.
COVID-19 vaccination is also advised for all eligible travellers based on the most current guidelines. Specifics can be found in relevant health literature and resources such as "Your COVID-19 Vaccination."
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for travelers over one year of age. Infants between 6 to 11 months should be vaccinated too, although this dose won't count towards the standard two-dose series. Those who are either allergic to the vaccine's components, younger than 6 months, over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic conditions should consider immune globulin for temporary protection.
Similarly, the Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated individuals visiting São Tomé and Príncipe.
Malaria prophylaxis must be taken as per the prescription, starting several days before travel, during your stay, and upon return. A healthcare provider can guide which medication suits best for malaria prevention.
Rabies is present in São Tomé and Príncipe, and rabies vaccination is advised for travelers who may come into contact with animals, particularly dogs, such as campers, wildlife adventurers, veterinarians, and visitors to rural areas.
Typhoid vaccination is recommended, especially for those who are visiting smaller cities or rural areas or staying with friends and relatives.
Yellow Fever, São Tomé and Príncipe typically does not require vaccination unless you're arriving from a country where the virus is prevalent. Travelers above the age of one may need proof of vaccination if coming from or transiting through a country at risk of Yellow Fever.
Always consult healthcare providers for clinical guidance on vaccinations and to tailor your immunization schedule to meet these recommendations.
For more detailed advice please consult the page from Center of Disease Control CDC
"Stay Hydrated, Stay Healthy: Water Safety in the Tropics"
Note: in São Tomé there are Issues with water contamination and inadequate sanitation in urban areas.
Travelling to the tropics brings about an enchanting vision of verdant landscapes, alluring beaches, and warm climates, but it also entails a higher vigilance regarding water safety. In many tropical regions, local water sources might not be treated to the same standards as you're accustomed to, potentially leading to waterborne illnesses. Here's how to navigate the water quandary:
Understanding the Risks:
Drinking or using unsafe water can expose you to a host of pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Common ailments caused by these pathogens include diarrhea, cholera, giardiasis, and typhoid fever. The risk extends not just to drinking water but to ice cubes, fruits washed in water, and even to water you use for brushing your teeth.
Tips for Consuming Water Safely:
1. Bottled Water: This is the safest option. Always check that the seal on the bottle is intact. In some places, bottles may be refilled with tap water and resealed.
2. Boiled Water: Boiling water is one of the most reliable methods to make it safe for drinking. Boil water vigorously for at least one minute, and let it cool naturally without adding ice.
3. Water Purification Tablets: These contain iodine or chlorine, which can purify water to make it suitable for drinking. Follow the instructions closely regarding dosage and waiting time.
4. Portable Water Filters: There are various types of water filters that can be used, including those that fit on water bottles. Make sure that the filter you choose is designed to remove or deactivate all forms of pathogens present in the water.
5. UV Light Purifiers: These devices use ultraviolet light to kill germs and are effective when clear water is not available. They are lightweight and easy to carry.
6. Disinfectant Techniques:If none of the above options are available, using a small amount of bleach – about 2 to 4 drops of household bleach per liter of clear water – can disinfect it. Let the treated water stand for at least 30 minutes before using.
Added Precautions:
- Avoid Ice: Unless you're certain it's made from purified water, avoid ice in your drinks.
- Stay Cautious with Food: Be wary of fruits and vegetables that may have been washed in local water. Opt for those that can be peeled and peel them yourself.
- Dental Hygiene: Use bottled or boiled water for brushing your teeth.
- Keep a Reusable Bottle: Carrying a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter can be a sustainable and convenient way to ensure access to safe water.
"Beat the Bites: Tips for Insect Repellent and Mosquito Net Use in the Tropics"
Malaria Risk in São Tomé :
The Government of São Tomé and Príncipe has undertaken a hughe effort to eradicate malaria that constituted the greatest public health risk. Currently, the prevalence rate of malaria is already low, which makes S. Tomé and Príncipe an area of moderate risk.
By following these guidelines and combining methods—chemical repellents, physical barriers like nets, and appropriate clothing—you can significantly reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases, helping you to enjoy your tropical travels with greater peace of mind.
Insect Repellent:
1. Choose Effectively: Select an insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon-eucalyptus. These ingredients are proven to be effective at deterring mosquito bites.
2. Application: Apply repellent generously on all exposed skin, following the product instructions. Be mindful of re-application after swimming, sweating, or after a certain number of hours as directed by the repellent's label.
3. Sunscreen and Repellent: If you're using sunscreen, apply it first, let it dry, and then apply insect repellent.
4. Day and Night: In tropical climates, mosquitoes that carry diseases can be active both day and night, so protection is necessary at all times.
Mosquito Nets:
1. Sleep Securely: Use a mosquito net over your bed at night, especially if you're sleeping in a room that isn't sealed or air-conditioned.
2. Check for Quality of the Net: Ensure that the netting is intact, without holes, and that it is fine-meshed enough to prevent mosquitoes from passing through.
3. Impregnated Nets: Consider using nets treated with insecticide for added protection. Make sure that the treatment is up-to-date as it wears off over time.
4. Tuck It In: Always tuck your mosquito net under your mattress, sleeping mat, or bed to ensure no mosquitoes can get inside.
Additional Tips:
Clothing Choices: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, particularly during peak mosquito activity hours, which are typically dusk and dawn.
Standing Water: Avoid areas with standing water where mosquitoes are likely to breed.
Plug-in Repellents: You can Use plug-in mosquito repellent devices indoors to keep areas bite-free.
Remember to ensure that your accommodations have adequate protective measures in place, such as window screens and air-conditioning, which can significantly reduce the likelihood of insect bites.