Traveling to Ethiopia

[latenight]

Hi,
I am going to be taking my four year old son to Ethiopia and wanted to know what immunizations he should take, what extra medicines we should carry, and any other precautions we should take.
Thank you.

[Philip Parks, MD]

Hi latenight,

Before I answer your question in detail, I would like to ask you a few questions.
1. Where will you be traveling to in Ethiopia?
2. Will you be traveling to rural areas?
3. How long will you be in Ethiopia?
4. Do you plan to travel to other countries besides Ethiopia?
5. Was your son born in the United States? And, has he received the usual vaccinations that are recommended in this country?
6. Does he have any medical problems or allergies?
7. When are you planning to leave for Ethiopia?

General Comments:

In general, I would recommend that you see a medical provider that specializes in travel medicine before you travel. Before you have that visit, I would also recommend that you go to: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationEthiopia.aspx and review the guidance that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends for travel to Ethiopia. Also: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/default.htm has information sheets for many vaccinations.

CDC also has a special section on Traveling with Children: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentChildTravel.aspx

A "travel kit" is a good idea regardless of where you are traveling. In this "kit" you should consider including the following items listed at: http://www.medic8.com/travel/travel-health-kit.htm

If you would prefer a more detailed and specific answer, please answer questions 1-7 above.

Stay well.

- Dr. Parks

[latenight]

HI,
Thank you for your message. Here are the responses to your questions.
1) Primarily to Addis but will do two trips to smaller towns.
2) The smaller towns would be considered rurual.
3) 10 days
4) Am planning on going on a Safari in Tanzania as well.
5) Yes he was born in the US and is up on his shots.
6) No problems. Only pollen allergies.
7) Will be going there in April.
Thank you very much.

[Philip Parks, MD]

Dear latenight:

From my review of the risk of malaria in Ethiopia, there is little to no risk of malaria in Addis. However, if you are traveling to two rural areas, I recommend that you take precautions to avoid getting bitten by mosquitos (see below). During your visit to medical provider (hopefully a travel medicine specialist), you can discuss malarial prophylaxis for you and your son. CDC’s recommendations: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentMalariaDrugsPublic.aspx

For such a brief trip, I am not certain that I would recommend taking prophylactic (preventive) medicines for malaria; especially if you will spending the majority of time in Addis.

However, CDC recommends that medications be taken if you are visiting areas outside of Addis at altitudes below 2,000 m (<6,561 ft).

As you probably know, there are many tropical diseases that are common in East Africa. Avoiding insect bites is a general preventive strategy that will serve you and your son well during your trip. This can be accomplished by wearing proper clothing (regardless of the temperature; for example, wear long-sleeves regardless of the temperature if insects are biting). Also, mosquitos are more likely to bit at dusk and dawn.

Food and water safety precautions are extremely important.

And, injuries are a common occurring when traveling to the developing world. Try to always wear seat belts.

If you son EVER requires medications for allergies, I would recommend taking a supply of those medications with you—even if he is feeling great before your trip.

With regard to the safari, I would contact the company that you are planning on using regarding the health risks that they are aware of. My recommendations would depend on where the safari is taking place and how long you'll be safari-ing.

I hope this is of help to you and your son.

Have a wonderful trip.

~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

[caregiver222]

I do not mean to be disprespectful, however I would think long and hard about bringing a four year old to Ethiopia.