Risk / Health Info for Haiti

What vaccinations do I need for Haiti?

What immunisations do you need for Haiti? Our advisors can put together a travel health regime that meets all your needs. Cholera cases have been occurring throughout Haiti – so a vaccine is recommended for travellers. There are some other GI illnesses that you can get immunized for before you go to Haiti, namely typhoid and hepatitis A.

Rabies occurs in Haiti and if you are going to a remote region or if you will be working with animals, particularly bats and dogs, consider getting this vaccine. Children going to Haiti should also be vaccinated against rabies. Always get medical advice about an animal bite or scratch in Haiti, even if you have been vaccinated.

Some travellers should consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis B before they go to Haiti as their risk of exposure is increased. These groups are:

• children
• frequent and long-stay travellers
• healthcare workers.

Hep B is also contracted through recreational intravenous drug use and unprotected sex. Another infection route is invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

What are the healthcare facilities like in Haiti?

Medical facilities are limited and not always of a good standard. Ensure your travel insurance covers repatriation and medical evacuation.

The emergency number in Haiti is 113.

Will I be able to buy obtain medication in Haiti?

It may be hard for pharmacists in Haiti to fill your normal prescription: you should bring a supply for your entire trip.

Protect your health in Haiti

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne illnesses in Haiti, including Chikungunya virus, dengue fever, zika and malaria. Travellers should make every effort to avoid being bitten by mosquitos. Some tactics that work include:

• wearing clothing with good limb coverage
• using a reliable insect repellent
• sleeping under nets or with air conditioning
• getting any vaccines or using prophylaxis as available.

Altitude in Haiti

Parts of Haiti 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 Haiti

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Haiti. 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 Haiti

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Haiti 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 Haiti

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

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 Haiti. This condition is also known as bilharzia.