Zimbabwe

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

Travel health and safety for Zimbabwe 🇿🇼

Zimbabwe offers a unique mix of natural wonders and cultural treasures, from the majestic Victoria Falls to the ancient ruins of Great Zimbabwe. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Harare or heading out on safari in Hwange National Park, the country promises unforgettable experiences for adventurous travelers.

There are important health considerations when traveling in Zimbabwe. Medical facilities vary in quality and may be limited, particularly outside urban areas. Travelers should take steps to protect their health, including getting routine vaccinations, preparing for insect-borne illnesses like malaria, and practicing safe water habits—such as drinking bottled or purified water and avoiding ice cubes or raw foods washed in tap water.

Travel Immunizations for Zimbabwe

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

Yellow Fever

Vaccination is not recommended or required
Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.

Hepatitis A

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

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and causes chronic infection and liver cancer.

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

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

Rabies is a devastating 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

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by salmonella from improperly prepared food or contaminated 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.

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.

Zimbabwe Concerns / Health Canada Recommendations

Traveler’s diarrhea

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.

Insect bite prevention

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.

Dengue: Symptoms include high-grade fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and nausea/vomiting.
Chikungunya: Symptoms include joint pains, fever, rash, and headache.

Malaria

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.

Cholera

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

Risk in Zimbabwe 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

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 Zimbabwe

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 Zimbabwe

Health care in Zimbabwe is limited, and quality varies significantly across the country. Medical facilities, supplies, and trained staff are especially scarce outside major cities, and even the best hospitals are often full.
In the event of serious illness or injury, medical evacuation is likely necessary. Access to reliable emergency care is limited.
Upfront cash payment is often required for medical services, including doctor or hospital visits, air ambulances, and evacuations. Overseas insurance may not be accepted.

Consular Assistance Zimbabwe

Harare - Embassy of Canada

Street Address: 45 Baines Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe

Telephone: +263 86 7700 8600

Email: hrare-cs@international.gc.ca

Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/zimbabwe/harare.aspx?lang=eng

Emergency Services

In case of emergency, dial:

999 for all emergencies

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Brought to you by a team of trusted healthcare professionals

We know how hard it can be for Canadians to get the healthcare they need, when they need it. That’s why Rockdoc is on a mission to help Canadians navigate healthcare. We have decades of experience providing emergent, urgent, and continuing healthcare services and solutions – meeting and exceeding the standard of care for our patients and our communities.

Dr. Sam Gutman

CEO and Chief Medical Officer
MD CCFP, FCFP, EM-SEM

Dr. Shaan Pawa

Associate Medical Director
MD CCFP-EM CTH®

Kristyna Sorensen

Medical Operations Manager
RN, BSN