Citizen Services
Medical Information
Post Health Summary
CLIMATE: Hot and dry. Daytime temperatures average 85 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. Summer temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Ocean breezes temper climate. Rainfall infrequent.
HEALTH CONCERNS: Malaria, diarrhea, hepatitis, meningitis, typhoid fever, yellow fever, intestinal parasites, schistosomiasis and rabies are important health concerns. Automobile accidents can be catastrophic due to a lack of adequate facilities to care for acute trauma cases. Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS are a public health concerns.
IMMUNIZATION REQUIRED: Yellow fever
IMMUNIZATION RECOMMENDED: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus and diphtheria (Td), polio, typhoid, meningococcal meningitis vaccine. Children should be up to date on all immunizations recommended for their age group.
CHOLERA: Validation may be required for entry.
MALARIA PROPHYLAXIS: Mefloquine (weekly) is the current drug of choice. Doxycycline (daily) or chloroquine (weekly) / paludrine (daily) regimen is also an option. Start Mefloquine or Chloroquine at least one to two weeks before departure for post. Pick up Paludrine at the Embassy Health Unit since it is currently not available in the U.S. Start Doxycycline 2 to 3 days before departure to Nouakchott or other malarial areas. Continue medication for four weeks after departing area with Malaria.
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS: Water is not potable. Because of intense heat, consume sufficient quantities of water. Use bottled water while on trips to the interior. Vegetables and fruits must be washed with soap and water soaked in iodine or chlorine solution. Do not eat uncooked vegetables or unpeeled fruits in unfamiliar settings. Avoid wading or swimming in streams, rivers or other bodies of fresh water to prevent schistosomiasis. Fluoride supplementation is recommended for children (6 months to 16 year old).
MEDICAL RESOURCES: Hospital facilities are not suitable for inpatient care but can provide emergency services. Dental care is available in Nouakchott but is limited. Have all necessary dental care completed in the U.S. before departing for post.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION: This is generally accomplished by commercial flights to hospitals in Western Europe (more often London). Air ambulance flights can be arranged when indicated.
MEDICAL SUPPLIES: Local pharmacies are supplied with mostly European medicines. Bring an adequate supply of all U.S. prescription drugs, an extra pair of glasses and your lens prescription.
TDY PERSONNEL: U.S. citizen employees assigned on temporary duty to the U.S. Embassy should provide to their control officer: (1) Agency affiliation or specific parent organization; (2) Date of birth and social security number; (3) A point of contact in the USA in case of emergency and; (4) Information concerning medical evacuation or/and health insurance plan (policy number) with phone numbers. Please provide the information to your control officer upon arrival in Nouakchott.
List of Doctors (pdf 10 kb)
