Risk / Health Info for Ecuador

What vaccines should I get for Ecuador?

Make sure your shots are up to date before you go to Ecuador. You can protect yourself against unpleasant gastrointestinal illnesses such as hepatitis A and typhoid, both spread by infected water or food.

Some travellers should consider a hepatitis B vaccine if they visit Ecuador often or plan to stay for an extended period. It is also recommended for children. Healthcare workers and people involved in dentistry should also consider getting a hep B shot, because it is spread by contact with contaminated blood or body fluids. Hep B is also spread by using unsterilized needles, for example when taking intravenous drugs or during tattooing or piercing. Unprotected sex is another infection route, and so are invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

You will need a yellow fever certificate to go to Ecuador, so if you have not yet been vaccinated ask a Canadian Travel Clinics adviser. The yellow fever shot provides lifelong immunity.

What are the healthcare facilities like in Ecuador?

Medical care in Ecuador varies in quality. Private hospitals in Quito and other cities offer good-quality care, but small towns and rural areas have inadequate facilities. The Galapagos Islands has very limited cardiac and surgical services, and there are no air ambulance services.

Before you go, make sure you have full travel insurance that can cover evacuation from Ecuador if needed, and have access to sufficient funds to cover emergencies. Consult your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

The emergency number in Ecuador is 911.

Protect your health in Ecuador

Several mosquito-borne illnesses are present in Ecuador, including malaria, yellow fever, Zika, chikungunya and dengue fever. Reduce the risk of getting bitten by wearing clothes that cover as much skin as possible, using a reliable insect repellent, and sleeping in air-conditioned accommodation or under a net wherever possible. Consult our advisers at least six weeks before you leave for Ecuador so you can protect yourself against malaria and yellow fever.

Avoid “travellers’ diarrhea” by sticking to food that you can peel or that has been cooked or boiled.

Altitude in Ecuador

Parts of Ecuador 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 Ecuador

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Ecuador 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 Ecuador

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

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Ecuador. 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.