Risk / Health Info for Guyana

What vaccinations should I get for Guyana?

Make sure your shots are up to date for Guyana before you go. You may be at risk of hepatitis A and typhoid, two common illnesses picked up from contaminated food and water. You can reduce the risk of exposure to these and other organisms that cause “travellers’ diarrhea” by following good water and food precautions when you’re in Guyana: if you can’t peel it, cook it or boil it, don’t eat it. Use commercially bottled water for drinking and for ice cubes.

You may also be at risk of hepatitis B, so consider getting this vaccination, especially if you are planning to visit frequently or for an extended period, or if you will work in a healthcare or dentistry setting. Hep B shots are also recommended for children. It is spread by contact with blood or body fluid, so can also be contracted via shared or dirty needles, unprotected sex, or invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

If you have already been vaccinated against yellow fever, take your certificate with you to Guyana. That shot will protect you for life.

Rabies is present in Guyana, so protect yourself if you will be around animals, especially dogs and bats, or if you will visit remote areas. Children are particularly vulnerable to animal bites, so they should be vaccinated against rabies. Always get urgent medical advice about any animal bite or scratch in Guyana, even if you have been vaccinated.

Are there hospitals in Guyana?

Guyana has limited healthcare facilities. Your Canadian health insurance will not cover you when you leave the country, so make sure you are covered for medical emergencies and possible evacuation. Consult your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

The emergency medical number in Guyana is 913.

Protect your health in Guyana

Several mosquito-borne diseases are present in Guyana, including Zika, malaria, yellow fever, chikungunya, dengue fever. so it is a very good idea to practise mosquito avoidance. You should wear clothing with good limb coverage and use a reliable insect repellent. Sleep under nets wherever possible. You will need to ensure you have been immunized against yellow fever before you go to Guyana.

Chikungunya virus in Guyana

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Guyana. 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 Guyana

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Guyana 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 Guyana

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