Risk / Health Info for El Salvador

What vaccines are recommended for El Salvador?

For a trip to El Salvador recommended inoculations include hepatitis and rabies. Tap water is not safe: stick to bottled water.

What are the healthcare hospital medical facilities like in El Salvador?

Private clinics are a better bet than state-run facilities.

Altitude in El Salvador

Parts of El Salvador 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.

Chikungunya virus in El Salvador

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in El Salvador. 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 El Salvador

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of El Salvador 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 El Salvador

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

Schistosomiasis in El Salvador

The schistosomiasis parasite enters humans through the skin during contact with fresh water. To prevent infection, avoid swimming or paddling in lakes and streams in El Salvador. This condition is also known as bilharzia.