Risk / Health Info for Guadeloupe

It’s recommended to make sure your vaccinations are up to date for Guadeloupe. You may be at risk of hepatitis A or B. Avoid uncooked foods you can’t wash or peel yourself.

With mosquito-borne diseases common throughout the Caribbean, take precautions to avoid getting bitten. Good-quality healthcare is available, but not all doctors understand English. Remember to get adequate health insurance coverage before you leave Canada, so check with your provincial or territorial health authority.

Chikungunya virus in Guadeloupe

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Guadeloupe. 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 Guadeloupe

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