Lush, green, friendly, and vibrant, Liberia offers everything from great surf spots and shops selling daring local designers to days spent in a comfy hammock on the edge of the rainforest listening to the sound of tropical birds. Here is one of the best national parks in West Africa. And despite the devastating effects of the past, it is a fantastic travel destination full of hope and energy. But all plans can be destroyed if suddenly one of the dangerous diseases takes over the tourists.

Vaccines and medicines before travel

You need to make sure that the scheduled vaccines according to the province or territory are up to date regardless of the travel destination. Some of these vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, chickenpox, influenza, and others. Be sure to talk to a healthcare professional about which medications or vaccines are appropriate.

The list of mandatory vaccines that you need to do before entering the country:

• Yellow fever;

• Hepatitis A;

• Hepatitis B;

• Rabies;

• Polio;

• Measles;

• Flu;

• Malaria;

• COVID 19.

Diseases transmitted through food and water

Travelers anywhere in the world can get diarrhea from drinking contaminated water or food. In parts of West Africa, food and water can also carry diseases such as cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis, and typhoid fever. Taking food and water precautions while traveling in West Africa is essential.

Remember this phrase: boil, cook, peel or leave!

Insects and diseases

In parts of West Africa, some insects carry and spread diseases such as African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), chikungunya, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, malaria, onchocerciasis, Rift Valley fever, West Nile virus, jaundice, and the Zika virus. Travelers are advised to take precautions against being bitten.

Basic precautions against insect bites:

• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made from heavy-weight materials such as nylon or polyester;

• Wear long trousers and tucked-in long-sleeve shirts, closed-toed shoes or boots, and a hat;

• Tape the cuffs of your trousers or tuck them inside your socks or shoes. This will provide additional protection against crawling insects such as mites;

• Adults can wear permethrin-treated clothing that repels mosquitoes.

Diseases transmitted by animals

Travelers are warned against contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in parts of West Africa such as avian influenza, Ebola, and rabies, can be transmitted to humans and animals.

Infections from person to person

Crowded places can increase the risk of certain diseases. Remember to wash your hands frequently and be careful when coughing and sneezing to avoid colds, flu, and other illnesses. Sexually transmitted infections and HIV are spread through blood and body fluids; practice safe sex.

Local medical care

Hospitals and medical facilities throughout Liberia are poorly equipped. There are no emergency services. Blood supplies are unreliable and unsafe, and medicines are in short supply. There is no effective public or commercial emergency or ambulance service anywhere in the country. You must carry basic medical supplies with you. Medicines are usually sold without a prescription in pharmacies. However, supplies may be unreliable and medicines available in the UK may not be available in Liberia. Make sure you have adequate stocks of prescription drugs given the risk of delays due to flight cancellations. Also, check your travel health insurance and available funds to cover the cost of any overseas treatment and medical evacuation. Visit World can arrange high-quality medical insurance.

The tourism industry in Liberia is underdeveloped partly due to the country's lack of transport networks, electricity, telecommunications systems, and accommodation facilities. But tourists need to know the rules of caution which are described in this article to save their lives and health.