Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is a landlocked republic in West Africa, lying south of the Sahara, with a total area of almost 270,000 sq. km. In the western and southern areas of the country, semi-arid sandstone savannah plateaux dominate, cut by three large rivers that may be reduced to a trickle during the dry season. Over 90% of the population is rural.
The climate is tropical, with a dry season from December–April and a wet season from June–November with 80% humidity. There are warm to high temperatures all year round, with maximum temperatures in March–May reaching 40°C in the shade. The dry north-east winds reduce the savannah to a semi-desert.
![]({"file":"77493138-0d85-40a3-975b-a5ebf880da8b.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":80}}} "Burkina Faso")
Pre-travel Preparation Will Help Protect Your Health While You Are Away
Bordering the Sahara, the dry tropical climate of Burkina Faso can place well-meaning travellers at risk of exposure to disease and illness. Yellow fever is a risk and proof of vaccination may be required on returning to Australia. Consult a travel doctor prior to departure to assess your risks in relation to your medical history and travel plans as some diseases like meningitis have a peak season when the disease is more prevalent in parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
More on Yellow Fever
Vaccination Recommendations/Requirements
Before you travel, make sure that you are up to date on all routine vaccines recommended for you based on your age and underlying risk profile.
These include:
- Chickenpox (Varicella): either previous disease or vaccination
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
- Flu (Influenza)
- Hepatitis B
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR): travellers born during or after 1966 are recommended to have received two vaccinations previously
- Meningococcal ACWY
- Polio: per childhood schedule
- SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Additional vaccines may be required or recommended for this destination. This will vary depending on your medical history, prior immunisations, length of travel, season of travel, itinerary and other relevant factors.
Safe Eating and Drinking Practices
One of the great pleasures of travel is sampling the local cuisine. However, contaminated food and beverages are a common cause of traveller’s diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal illnesses. Safe eating and drinking practices are essential in minimising your risk of contracting traveller’s diarrhoea.
Insect Avoidance
In many countries, insects carry dangerous diseases. While mosquitoes pose the main risk to travellers, bites from sand flies, ticks, fleas and bedbugs can also transmit diseases. Ensure you are prepared and read up on our insect avoidance tips.
Rabies Prevention
Avoid physical contact with all domestic or wild animals in any setting unless you are absolutely certain the animal has been well vaccinated. The need for vigilance, particularly when travelling with children, cannot be overstated. If bitten, wash the wound gently but thoroughly with soap and water for at least fifteen minutes.
Health Risks
The following diseases are known to occur in the area:
Disclaimer: The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
Health Alerts
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![Book with one of our travel medicine clinics today to get our advice and better protect your health on your next trip.]({"file":"cta-image-01.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":60}}} "Don't leave your health to chance.")