Risk / Health Info for Guinea Bissau

What shots should I get for Guinea-Bissau?

Your healthcare adviser at Canadian Travel Clinics can help you make sure your regular shots are up to date before you go to Guinea-Bissau. You should also consider vaccinations to prevent hepatitis A and typhoid, to avoid these gastrointestinal illnesses caused by contaminated food and water. Avoid other causes of “travellers’ diarrhea” by making sure you drink commercially bottled water in Guinea-Bissau, and by sticking to foods you can peel or that have been cooked or boiled. Wash your hands frequently.

There are outbreaks of cholera from time to time in Guinea-Bissau, so consider getting a vaccination for this. Other food- and water-borne illnesses to get vaccinated against before your trip to Guinea-Bissau include hepatitis A and typhoid.

Guinea-Bissau is in the African meningitis belt so meningococcal meningitis shots are recommended, especially for visits between December and June. Meningococcal meningitis is spread person-to-person like a flu or cold, so practise good cough and sneeze etiquette by washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth and nose with your arm when you cough or sneeze.

Which travellers need a hepatitis B vaccine?

Consider a hepatitis B vaccination before travelling to Guinea-Bissau If you are a healthcare worker or plan to have a surgical procedure, tattoo or piercing in Guinea-Bissau. Hep B is spread by contact with blood and body fluid, so children can catch it through cuts and grazes. It is also spread by unprotected sex or by unsterilized needles.

Protect your health in Guinea-Bissau

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne illnesses in Guinea-Bissau, including malaria, yellow fever, Zika and dengue fever, so it is a very good idea to avoid bites wherever possible. You should wear neutral-coloured clothing that covers your arms and legs and treat cuffs with insect repellent. Sleep under nets if you can. And if a vaccine or prophylaxis is available, make use of it.

What healthcare facilities are there in Guinea-Bissau?

The medical facilities found in Guinea-Bissau are limited. It’s recommended you purchase travel insurance when you visit Guinea-Bissau. Contact your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

Dengue fever in Guinea Bissau

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Guinea Bissau. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Malaria in Guinea Bissau

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Guinea Bissau at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Schistosomiasis in Guinea Bissau

The schistosomiasis parasite enters humans through the skin during contact with fresh water. To prevent infection, avoid swimming or paddling in lakes and streams in Guinea Bissau. This condition is also known as bilharzia.

Zika in Guinea Bissau

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Guinea Bissau. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to Guinea Bissau. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.

yellow fever in Guinea Bissau