Risk / Health Info for Honduras

What shots should I get for Honduras?

Our travel experts can help you make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you go to Honduras. You can get shots against illnesses such as typhoid and hepatitis A.

If you’re planning to travel to Honduras often, or stay a long time, ask about a hepatitis B shot. Children are also at higher risk, and so are people working in healthcare, including dentistry. Another at-risk group is those receiving medical or cosmetic treatment in Honduras. Hep B can be contracted through shared needles and unprotected sex.

Rabiesoccurs in Honduras. If you will be around animals, especially dogs and bats, or visiting remote regions ask about a rabies shot. Children should also be vaccinated against rabies as they are often victims of animal bites. Always seek medical advice if you get an animal bite or scratch in Honduras, even if you have been vaccinated against rabies.

What hospital facilities are there in Honduras?

Outside urban centres, medical facilities can cope with minor illnesses and injuries. Private facilities are often better equipped than the state-funded or rural facilities. Evacuation might be necessary for emergencies. Emergency medical services are limited but there are decompression facilities available to treat divers in Roatan and on the Bay Island of Utila.

Before you leave for Honduras, make sure your travel health insurance and accessible funds will cover the cost of any medical treatment and medical evacuation, if required. Check with your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

The emergency number in Honduras is 195.

Protect your health in Honduras

There is a risk of malaria from mosquito bites in Honduras so check with your travel health adviser at least six weeks before you leave. You may also be exposed to other mosquito-borne illnesses, especially Zika, but also chikungunya and dengue fever. Avoid bites wherever possible. Wear loose, neutral-coloured clothing that covers as much skin as possible – consider using insecticide-treated clothing – and always use a reliable insect repellent. Sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets in air-conditioned accommodations.

You can reduce the risk of “travellers’ diarrhea” if you stick to commercially bottled water in Honduras and practise safe food and water precautions. If you can’t peel it, boil it or cook it, don’t eat it!

Altitude in Honduras

Parts of Honduras are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Dengue fever in Honduras

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Honduras 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 Honduras

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

Rabies in Honduras

There is a risk of rabies in Honduras. Ask your travel health advisor if a pre-exposure rabies vaccine is appropriate for you.