Risk / Health Info for Vanuatu

The vaccines you need for travel to Vanuatu are listed on this page.

Medical facilities are limited, and the one decompression chamber is in Port Vila, Efate so may take several hours to reach from diving sites on other islands. Chikungunya, Zika and dengue fever are present in Vanuatu and travellers should be aware that the risk is highest in the daytime, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

There is also a risk of malaria all year round throughout Vanuatu. Avoid mosquito bites by staying in well-screened and air-conditioned accommodations, using insect repellent and covering up, perhaps using travel gear pre-treated with insecticides.

To avoid “travellers’ diarrhea,” stick to commercially bottled water, including in your ice cubes, and foods that you can peel yourself or are cooked or boiled.

Remember you need travel insurance whenever you leave Canada. Before you leave the country, check with your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

Dengue fever in Vanuatu

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Vanuatu 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.

Zika in Vanuatu

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Vanuatu. 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 Vanuatu. 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.

Chikungunya virus in Vanuatu

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Vanuatu. 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.