Risk / Health Info for Guatemala

Do I need injections for Guatemala?

There are some vaccines to get before going to Guatemala and your healthcare advisor can guide you. The vaccines for hepatitis A and typhoid will protect you against a pair of food- and water-borne illnesses that cause unpleasant GI symptoms.

Some groups of travellers should consider a hepatitis B vaccine. These include children, frequent and long-stay travellers as well as those who will be working in a healthcare setting, including dentistry or in a lab that handles body fluids. Hep B is also contracted through recreational intravenous drug use and unprotected sex. Another infection route is invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

Rabies occurs in Guatemala. This is a very serious disease that is contracted through animal bites. There is a vaccine for rabies. If you are going to a remote region or if you will be working with animals particularly bats and dogs, consider getting this shot. Runners, cyclists and children should also consider getting vaccinated against rabies as they are more likely than most to get bitten by dogs. Seek urgent medical advice about an animal bite or scratch in Guatemala, even if you have been vaccinated against rabies.

Is the water drinkable in Guatemala?

It is safest to stick to bottled water or filtered water in Guatemala.

What healthcare facilities are there in Guatemala?

Hospitals may not treat you without evidence of medical insurance, so carry evidence of your cover with you. State healthcare facilities are underfunded, and you may need to be flown out of Guatemala for treatment: ensure your travel insurance covers this.

The emergency number in Guatemala is 122.

Protect your health in Guatemala

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne illnesses in Guatemala, including Chikungunya virus, dengue fever and malaria, so it is a very good idea to avoid bites wherever possible. You should wear clothing with good limb coverage and use a reliable insect repellent. Sleep under nets wherever possible. Anti-malarial drugs are available, and you should make use of them. Ask your travel healthcare advisor about malaria prophylaxis.

Altitude in Guatemala

Parts of Guatemala 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 Guatemala

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Guatemala. 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 Guatemala

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Guatemala 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 Guatemala

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