Risk / Health Info for Saint Lucia

What shots should I get for Saint Lucia?

Canadian Travel Clinics can help you make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you leave for Saint Lucia. Shots to prevent hepatitis A and typhoid can help protect you against those gastrointestinal illnesses spread by contaminated food and water.

You might also consider a hepatitis B shot if you are planning to visit Saint Lucia often or to stay for an extended period. Children should also get vaccinated against hep B, and so should people who plan to work in healthcare or dentistry settings, who might come in contact with infected blood or body fluids. Hep B is also spread by dirty needles, unprotected sex, and invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

Are there hospitals in Saint Lucia?

Saint Lucia has two government hospitals and one private one, but serious cases are referred outside the country. Before you leave for Saint Lucia, make sure you have travel insurance and sufficient funds to cover the cost of medical treatment and evacuation. Consult your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

The emergency number in Saint Lucia is 911.

Protect your health in Saint Lucia

Zika, dengue fever and chikungunya can be spread via mosquito bites in Saint Lucia, so take care to avoid getting bitten. Wear loose neutral-coloured clothing that covers as much skin as possible, use a reliable insect repellent, and sleep under a net or in air-conditioned accommodation where possible.

Don’t eat food if you can’t peel it, boil it or cook it, so you can reduce the chance of getting “travellers’ diarrhea”.

Chikungunya virus in Saint Lucia

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Saint Lucia. 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.

Dengue fever in Saint Lucia

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

Schistosomiasis in Saint Lucia

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 Saint Lucia. This condition is also known as bilharzia.

Zika in Saint Lucia

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