Please note: The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on the following lists. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. The information on the list is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information.
- Medical Resources in Mauritania (PDF 108 KB)
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: There are several options for Malaria Prophylaxis: Mefloquine (weekly), Doxycycline (daily), or Atovaquone/Proguanil (commercially known as Malarone) (daily). For more information about malaria, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention malaria page. For more information, please visit the CDC’s Mauritania page and CDC’s information on Malaria prophylaxis.
Zika: No local mosquito-born Zika virus disease cases have been reported in Mauritania, nor have there been travel-associated cases reported. All United States citizens should stay updated on current information before and during their travel.
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 arriving in Mauritania.
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. Global Air Ambulance offers medevac options to depart from Mauritania. Their website is https://airambulance.com/ and their United States phone numbers are 1-800-948-1220 and 1-941-536-2002.
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.
