Risk / Health Info for Macau

Your shots should be up to date before you go to Macau including your tetanus booster. Your healthcare adviser can advise you on shots to prevent hepatitis A and typhoid, two nasty gastrointestinal illnesses caused by contaminated food and water.

Consider a hepatitis B vaccination If you are a healthcare worker or plan to have a surgical procedure, tattoo or piercing in Macau. 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 dirty needles (but note that possession of illegal drugs carries a heavy penalty in Macau).

Rabies is present in Macau. If you will be around animals, especially dogs, monkeys, cats or bats, consider a rabies vaccination. Always seek medical attention right away if you are bitten or scratched by an animal, even if you’ve had your shot.

Protect yourself against mosquito bites in Macau and ask your adviser about the shot for Japanese encephalitis, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.

There have been reports of avian influenza or bird flu in Macau. It usually affects birds, but occasionally infects people. It is not usually spread by contact with infected people. Health Canada recommends reducing your risk in Macau by avoiding exposure to poultry whether dead or alive. Practise good cough and sneeze etiquette just as you do to avoid the regular flu, and wash your hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Macao Tourism has information about healthcare and hospitals. Make sure you have sufficient funds to pay for any medical care, and get travel insurance before you leave for Macau. Your provincial or territorial health authority has more information.

Dengue fever in Macau

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

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 Macau. This condition is also known as bilharzia.

Japanese encephalitis in Macau