Risk / Health Info for Nauru

You will need a few vaccinations to ensure your safety in Nauru. Your provincial or territorial health insurance will not cover you when you leave Canada, so get travel insurance before you go. Before you leave the country, check with your provincial or territorial health authority for more information. Take precautions against mosquito bites, as mosquito-borne diseases are becoming more common throughout the area. To avoid “travellers’ diarrhea” and other gastrointestinal illnesses in Nauru, drink commercially bottled water or boiled water. Avoid using ice cubes, and remember to avoid eating food that you can’t peel, cook or boil. Medical facilities are adequate for routine services, but access to services is limited. Evacuation is necessary for serious illness or injury.

Dengue fever in Nauru

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Nauru. 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.

Chikungunya virus in Nauru

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Nauru. It is spread by day-biting mosquitoes and you can guard against infection by covering up and using mosquito repellents. Infection results in joint pains, fever, rash and headache. It clears up after a few days, but some patients are left with swollen and painful joints for weeks or even years afterwards.