Travel Vaccinations for Benin

Vaccines To Consider When Visiting Benin

A consultation will be completed with one of our specialist travel health nurses to assess your individual travel plans and health background before making recommendations, which can then be administered during the same appointment.

Hepatitis A - Adult
From £79
Yellow Fever + Certificate
From £84
Typhoid vaccine
From £49
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio
From £49

Vaccines Advised To Some Benin Visitors

Meningitis ACWY + Certificate
From £64
Hepatitis B
From £59
Rabies IM
From £89
Cholera (oral)
From £44
There is a risk of Malaria in Benin. London Travel Clinic offers a range of antimalarials to keep you protected

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Destination Information for Benin

The small nation of Benin is full of natural beauty, rich traditions and cultures, and a complex and curious history. It’s situated between Togo and Nigeria, and its southern coastline includes what was formerly known as the ‘slave coast’, from where captives were shipped away to be sold. Benin is also known as the birthplace of Voodoo, and the country celebrates with an annual Voodoo Day. Visit from November-February for warm, dry weather with prime wildlife-watching.

Visitors to Benin will find plenty to do and see in this vibrant and fascinating land. The country boasts the Parc National de la Pendjari, one of the finest and best-known wildlife parks in West Africa. Tourists can see lions, elephants, cheetahs and many more species in their natural habitats. With a range of accommodation options and reasonable transport throughout the country, Benin welcomes guests looking to explore and understand the life and history of this incredible place.

Infections and Outbreaks frequently change from country to country and by attending our clinics you will be given the most up to date clinical and safety advice from our team of specialists. Our advice to you often includes aspects such as:

Malaria and regions within country:

There is a high risk of P.Falciparum malaria throughout the country and anti-malarial medication is advised.

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Non Vaccinated Diseases

Rift Valley fever

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an acute, fever-causing viral disease that usually affects domesticated animals (such as cattle and sheep), but can also infect and cause illness in humans. The majority of human infections are caused by direct or indirect contact with the blood or organs of infected animals.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is primarily spread to humans either by infected ticks or animal blood. Human-to-human transmission can also occur resulting from close contact with the blood, organs or other bodily fluids of an infected person.

West Nile virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is spread by mosquitoes in many countries. There are usually no symptoms, although some people develop mild flu-like symptoms, nausea and skin rash. The virus is not contagious and should get better without any treatment.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25
Natural Mosquito Repellent - 100ml
£7.75

African tick bite fever

Bacterial infection from bite from infected ticks. Most common between April-November and in rural, camping and hiking areas. Causes redness around site of bite and symptoms usually within 2 weeks, such as fever, muscle pain, headache and rash.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes and it causes fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Joint pain is often debilitating and can vary in duration. The disease shares some clinical signs with Dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where Dengue is common. There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems Bed Bug Barrier Bedsheet
£12.99
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25

Leishmaniasis

A parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of an infected sandfly. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (the most common): Causes skin lesions, mainly ulcers on exposed parts of the body, causing scars and serious disability. 90% of cases are in the Americas, the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East and Asia. Visceral Leishmaniasis (the most dangerous): Causes enlarged spleen and liver, anaemia, weight loss and irregular bouts of fever. Highly endemic in the Indian Subcontinent and East Africa. Mucotaneous (the least common): Causes partial or total destruction of the mucous membranes in the nose, mouth and throat. Most cases are found in Peru, Bolivia and Brazil.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis, also called bilharzia, is an infection caused by a parasitic worm that lives in fresh water in subtropical and tropical regions. Avoid swimming in fresh water rivers, streams and lakes if you can. You often don't have any symptoms at first, but after a few weeks may develop a rash, high temperature, cough, diarrhoea and joint pain. Schistosomiasis can usually be treated successfully with a short course of a medication that kills the worms.

Trypanosomiasis

Human African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a parasitic disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tsetse fly, which is only found in rural Africa. Initial symptoms include severe headache, insomnia, enlarged lymph nodes, anaemia and rash.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25
Natural Mosquito Repellent - 100ml
£7.75

Additional Health Risks Information for Benin

Medical facilities in Benin, particularly in rural areas, are poor. If you have an accident or become seriously unwell it will be necessary to be evacuated for treatment elsewhere, so ensure that you have adequate travel insurance in place. It is common to find water-borne diseases including cholera, so take sensible precautions including drinking only bottled water, taking care over the preparation of fruit and vegetables, and exercising good personal hygiene.  Benin is a yellow fever and a high risk malaria zone, so consult a travel clinic for all the necessary vaccines, malaria tablets and travel health advice before travelling.

Foreign visitors can often be a target for petty crime and scams, including pickpocketing and online fraud. More serious crime including robbery, car-jacking and muggings also occur, especially in the capital Cotonou. Be vigilant about your personal safety, and be especially aware of locals who appear too friendly or helpful, offering romance or employment opportunities.

During the rainy season flooding can affect the road network, which is often poorly maintained and difficult to use. If you’re driving you should check your route before you travel, and ensure that you have enough fuel for the entire journey as there are often unexpected shortages.

 

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