Northern Burundi has been in the throes of one of the biggest typhus outbreaks since World War II, mostly due to overcrowded camps and unhygienic conditions. The reported cases have surged to more than 20,000 since October 1996, when the outbreak was first observed. If that's not bad enough, aid groups say that 40,000 children are suffering from malnutrition and that around 300,000 people now face famine. Shortly after the coup in July 1996, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Eritrea and the Democratic Republic of Congo slapped an embargo on Burundi, which has caused most of the food shortages.
There are 14 hospital beds and 0.5 doctors for every 10,000 people. Yellow fever and cholera immunizations are required. Inoculations for tetanus, typhoid and polio are also recommended, as are gamma globulin shots and malaria suppressants. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including medical evacuation coverage, has proved to be useful. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that travelers to Burundi receive the meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine before traveling to the area.
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