Risk / Health Info for French Guiana

Do I need shots for French Guiana?

Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you leave for French Guiana. It is recommended that visitors get shots against hepatitis A and typhoid, two nasty gastrointestinal illnesses spread by contaminated food and water.

The hepatitis B shot is also recommended for some groups of travellers to French Guiana, including children, frequent visitors or people who intended to stay for extended periods, and anyone who will work in a healthcare or dentistry setting. Hep B is contracted through exposure to blood or body fluid, so it can be spread by dirty needles, including for drugs, tattooing and piercing, as well as by unprotected sex or invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

Animals in French Guiana can carry rabies, so make sure you are protected, especially if you will be working with animals. Children should also be vaccinated against rabies, because they are often bitten while playing with animals. Always get immediate medical attention about an animal bite or scratch in French Guiana, even if you have had the rabies shot.

You will need a yellow fever certificate for French Guiana, so if you have not yet been vaccinated consult one of our travel advisers. One shot provides immunity for life.

Can I get healthcare in French Guiana?

French Guiana has limited medical facilities. Always make sure you have access to emergency cash and ensure that your travel insurance is up to date before you leave. Your Canadian health insurance will not cover you when you leave the country, so check with your provincial or territorial health authority.

The emergency number in French Guiana is 112.

Protect your health in French Guiana

Malaria and yellow fever are present in French Guiana, as well as other mosquito-borne illnesses such as Zika, chikungunya virus and dengue fever. Protect yourself from bites by using a reliable mosquito repellent, wearing clothing that covers as much skin as possible, and sleeping under a net or in air-conditioned accommodation wherever possible. Six weeks before you leave for French Guiana, consult our travel advisers about anti-malarial pills and the yellow fever shot.

Avoid “travellers’ diarrhea” by using commercially bottled water for drinking and ice cubes, and eating food that you can peel yourself or that has been cooked or boiled.

Chikungunya virus in French Guiana

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in French Guiana. 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 French Guiana

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of French Guiana 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 French Guiana

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