Sierra Leone

COVID-19

COVID-19 is present in Sierra Leone.

If you’re in Sierra Leone and have symptoms of COVID-19, self-report by calling 117 with a local service provider.

Monitor the media for information on latest developments and follow the advice of local authorities.

More information:

Lassa fever

Lassa fever (World Health Organization) is a risk in West Africa. It can be fatal and there’s no vaccine. It passes to humans via contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent droppings.

To protect yourself from disease:

• avoid contact with live or dead rodents, burrows or nests and their droppings
• ensure all foods are well-cooked and covered in rodent-proof containers
• keep your body, personal belongings, utensils and common contact surfaces (including door knobs and counters) clean
• avoid places where dust is raised, such as from sweeping and vacuuming rodent droppings

Get immediate medical help if you develop any symptoms of Lassa fever, including a fever, weakness in your body or unexplained pain.

Ebola virus disease

In 2016, a contained outbreak of Ebola (Department of Health) occurred. Ebola could occur again in Sierra Leone and neighbouring countries.

The 2016 outbreak overwhelmed local healthcare facilities. If there’s another outbreak, your access to medical care may be severely limited.

If you travel to Sierra Leone, check your insurance covers healthcare or medical evacuation costs if you get Ebola.

If you’re working in the region, make sure your employer has plans for quarantine, treatment or evacuation of staff who show symptoms of Ebola.

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever (Department of Health) is common in Sierra Leone. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It’s prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

Malaria (World Health Organization) and other insect-borne diseases are common.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

More information:

HIV/AIDS

The HIV/AIDS (World Health Organization) infection rate is high. 

Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the virus.

Other health risks

Other common waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases including these listed by the World Health Organization:

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

If there is an outbreak of infectious disease, follow the advice of local authorities.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don’t swim in fresh water

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government