Ethiopia

Have a safe trip with travel vaccines and advice from medical professionals.

Travel health and safety for Ethiopia 🇪🇹

Located on the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia offers natural beauty and a rich culture. Explore the ancient rock churches of Lalibela, trek through the Simien Mountains with their unique wildlife, or discover the vibrant cultures of the Omo Valley tribes. From the historical sites of Aksum to the stunning Danakil Depression, Ethiopia is a country filled with unique experiences.

To make the most of your adventure, consider the health risks and take steps before you depart. Being informed about recommended health precautions and understanding necessary vaccinations is essential for a successful trip.

Travel Immunizations for Ethiopia

What vaccines do I need for Ethiopia? Get all the information and vaccinations you need to minimize travel health risks.

Yellow Fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes in certain regions of Africa and South America.

  • Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for Ethiopia
  • Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs
  • Mild cases: Fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting
  • Severe cases: High fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), bleeding, organ failure, and, in some cases, death.

Hepatitis A virus can cause liver disease, and in rare cases, liver failure and death.

  • Can be spread by fecal-oral transmission, consuming contaminated food or water, or close, personal contact with an infected person.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and joint pain.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and may cause chronic infections.

  • Its primary mode of transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through unprotected sex or sharing needles.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when traveling internationally.

  • Spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals.
  • Symptoms initially resemble a common cold, followed by a characteristic rash fever, cough, runny nose, small, white spots inside the mouth and throat red eyes, sleepiness, and irritability.

Rabies is a viral infection transmitted through animal bites.

  • Symptoms may initially include fever, headache, and discomfort at the bite site, progressing to more severe neurological symptoms. Rabies is fatal if it is not treated before symptoms develop.
  • Rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection typically transmitted through contaminated food and water.

  • Typhoid vaccine is available in both injectable and oral forms and provides protection against typhoid fever.
  • Symptoms of typhoid fever include a high fever, headache, weakness, fatigue, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite, and a rose-colored rash on the chest and abdomen.

Chikungunya is a viral infection spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.

  • One-time vaccination is approved in those over the age of 18 and offers lifetime protection.
  • Particularly recommended for those travelling for a duration of 2 weeks or greater with anticipated outdoor mosquito exposure.

Meningococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection which can lead to meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord lining) and bloodstream infections. It spreads through respiratory droplets or close personal contact with an infected person.

  • Symptoms can include sudden fever, headache, stiff neck, rash, nausea, sensitivity to light, and confusion. The disease can progress rapidly and may result in severe complications or death if not treated promptly.
  • There are 3 different types of vaccine options available in Canada.

Polio is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause flu-like symptoms and in severe cases paralysis or even death.

  • There is a risk of polio in Ethiopia, especially in areas with lower vaccination coverage.
  • If you’re staying for more than 4 weeks, a polio booster (IPV) is recommended and may be required for exit.
  • Ensure you’ve had a full polio vaccine series; adults may need a one-time booster for travel.
 

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Health Canada strongly advises travelers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including:

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Guards against the varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chickenpox.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)

Protects against three different bacterial infections.

Flu (Influenza)

Vaccination against seasonal influenza strains is essential.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Provides immunity against all three diseases in one shot.

Polio

Essential for guarding against the poliovirus.

Shingles

Offers protection against a viral infection that causes painful rashes.

COVID-19

The ongoing pandemic necessitates adherence to vaccination guidelines and preventive measures.

Ethiopia Concerns / Health Canada Recommendations

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.

  • Symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, similar to the flu. Without treatment, malaria can cause severe illness and death.
  • Malaria can be treated with anti-malarial medications.
  • Use insect repellents containing DEET, wear long sleeves, long pants, and consider staying in accommodations with screens or bed nets.

Most common illness for travelers, from consuming contaminated food & water

  • Affects up to 70% of travelers and risks minimized with good hygiene and safe food/drink choices (e.g. avoid raw foods, ice in drinks).
  • Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, bloating.
  • Azithromycin, the first-line antibiotic against travelers diarrhea, is available by prescription for self-treatment if symptoms develop. This can be obtained in your Travel Medicine consultation.

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. Cover up and use insect repellents to protect against infection.

  • Chikungunya: Symptoms include joint pains, fever, rash, and headache.
  • Dengue: Symptoms include high-grade fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and nausea/vomiting.
  • Zika: Symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle, and joint pains.

Cholera is a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration, often spread through contaminated food or water.

  • Risk in Ethiopia is higher in areas with poor sanitation or during outbreaks.
  • Travelers staying in rural or high-risk areas may consider vaccination.
  • Prevention includes drinking bottled or filtered water, practicing good hand hygiene, and eating well-cooked food.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that can spread to humans through freshwater sources contaminated by blood flukes (tiny worms).

  • Symptoms include itchy rash at site of penetration, fever, cough, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
  • Avoid swimming in freshwater sources (lakes, rivers, ponds).

Over the Counter Medications for Travel to Ethiopia

Pain Relief

Medications such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can be helpful for managing headaches, muscle pain, or fever. 

Anti-Diarrheal Medications

It’s advisable to carry over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (e.g., Imodium) to treat mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea. However, it’s important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if diarrhea persists or worsens. 

Antacids

Antacids like Tums or Pepto-Bismol can provide relief from indigestion or heartburn, which can sometimes occur when trying new foods or experiencing changes in diet during travel. 

Allergy Medications

If you have known allergies, carrying antihistamines like cetirizine (e.g., Reactine) or diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl) can help manage allergic reactions to environmental allergens or insect bites. 

Motion Sickness Medications

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider carrying medication like dimenhydrinate (e.g., Gravol) to alleviate symptoms during long journeys or when traveling by car, train, or boat.

Sun Protection

It is essential to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing.

Medical Services and Facilities in Ethiopia
  • Outside of private hospitals in Addis Ababa, health care in Ethiopia is well below Canadian standards, with limited staff, equipment, and medications.
  • Ambulance services are extremely limited and unreliable; serious illness or injury may require medical evacuation.
  • Always travel with a personal medical kit for basic health needs.
  • Make sure your travel insurance includes coverage for hospital stays and emergency evacuation.

Consular Assistance in Ethiopia

Street Address: Sarbet, Lideta Kifle Ketema, Wereda 08, House no. 122, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Telephone: 251 (0) 11 317 0000

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/ethiopia-ethiopie/addis_ababa-addis-abeba.aspx?lang=eng

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Emergency Services

In case of emergency, dial:

  • 991 for emergency services

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