Cameroon


Cameroon is situated on the west coast of Africa, fronting the Gulf of Guinea and covering 475,000 sq. km. There are four main geographical areas: the southern area is forest with low coastal plains; the north-west is mountainous forest that features the volcano Mount Cameroon; the north is semi-arid savannah that slopes towards Lake Chad; and the comparatively low urban population is concentrated in the southern part of the country.

The climate is tropical in the south and west, with high temperatures, high humidity and abundant rainfall from March to June and September to November. The dry season lasts from October to April in the north and from December to February and July to September in the south. The average temperature is 26°C.

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Pre-travel Preparation Will Help Protect Your Health While You Are Away

Located on the Gulf of Guinea, the tropical climate of Cameroon 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.