U.S. Issues Travel Warning for This Island Chain Over Health Care and Safety Concerns

"The advisory, which is listed as a Level 2 warning, was re-issued for the country of Comoros with health as a concern. The State Department warns healthcare is limited in the country's capital of Moroni and "very limited in rural areas." "Medical care in rural areas often requires transportation to Moroni," the department stated in the advisory. "Medical evacuation from Comoros is often needed for significant injuries and illnesses.""

"For its part, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classified Comoros under its lowest Level 1 notice, but did include the country in a global measles warning. The CDC recommended all international travelers be fully vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and added travelers heading to Comoros receive vaccinations or take preventative medication to protect against diseases including Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Malaria, and Typhoid."

"The department added travelers who do choose to visit Comoros should purchase medical evacuation insurance, carry prescription medication in its original packaging in addition to the doctor's prescription, and bring enough medication (both prescription and over-the-counter) to last the entire trip. In addition, visitors should also have an evacuation plan in place that does not rely on U.S. government assistance."

Comoros presents health and safety considerations for travelers, with limited medical services in Moroni and very limited care in rural areas often requiring transport to the capital. Significant injuries and illnesses frequently necessitate medical evacuation. Travelers should obtain medical evacuation insurance, carry prescriptions in original packaging with a doctor’s note, and bring enough prescription and over-the-counter medication for the entire trip. Visitors should have an evacuation plan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance. Additional concerns include petty crime, reports of piracy, and spontaneous protests. The CDC issues a global measles warning and recommends MMR and other vaccinations and prophylaxis.

Read at Travel + Leisure