Risk / Health Info for Suriname

What vaccinations should I get for Suriname?

Canadian Travel Clinics can help you make sure your shots are up to date before you go to Suriname. Protect yourself against hepatitis A and typhoid, two unpleasant gastrointestinal illnesses spread by food and water by getting vaccinated. You can further protect yourself from “travellers’ diarrhea” in Suriname by sticking to commercially bottled water for drinking and ice cubes. Avoid food that you cannot peel, or has not been cooked or boiled.

If you are planning to visit Suriname often or stay a long time, consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis B. Children should also be vaccinated, and so should anyone who plans to work in healthcare or dentistry, or may be in contact with blood or body fluid. It can also be spread by unprotected sex, dirty needles, and invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

Rabiesis present in some animals in Suriname, so make sure you have had your shot, especially if you are planning to visit a remote area or be around dogs or bats. Children as well as cyclists and runners are at particular risk of getting bitten. Even if you have had the shot, seek urgent medical advice about any animal bite or scratch.

There is a risk yellow fever in Suriname, so if you have had your shot, take along your certificate. Consult our travel advisers for more information.

What medical care is available in Suriname?

There are limited medical facilities outside Paramaribo, which as the only emergency room with ambulance service, although helicopter emergency service is available in Suriname. Always make sure you have travel insurance that can cover evacuation if necessary, so consult your provincial or territorial health authority before you leave for Suriname.

The emergency number in Suriname is 115.

How can I protect my health in Suriname?

Several mosquito-borne illnesses are present in Suriname, including malaria, yellow fever and Zika. Other illnesses are chikungunya and dengue fever. To avoid mosquito bites, wear neutral-coloured clothing that covers as much skin as possible, and use a reliable insect repellent. Sleep under a net or in air-conditioned accommodation where possible. At least six weeks before you leave for Suriname, consult one of our advisers about anti-malarial pills and yellow fever vaccinations.

Chikungunya virus in Suriname

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Suriname. 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 Suriname

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Suriname 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 Suriname

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