Risk / Health Info for Honduras

What vaccines should I get for Honduras?

The health requirements for Honduras may seem complex, but our experts can advise you. Ask about vaccines for two GI illnesses, typhoid and hepatitis A, before you go to Honduras. You can further reduce your risk of stomach upsets by sticking to bottled water during your time in Honduras.

Some groups of travellers should ask about a hepatitis B vaccine. Frequent and long stay travellers are at elevated risk of exposure to hep B.  Children may be exposed to cuts and grazes. Anyone who is working in a healthcare setting, including dentistry or in a lab that handles body fluids should also consider a hepatitis B vaccine before going to Honduras. Hep B can be contracted through recreational intravenous drug use and unprotected sex. Another infection route is invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

Rabies occurs in Honduras and if you are going to a remote region or if you will be working with animals, particularly bats and dogs, ask about a rabies vaccine. Children should also be vaccinated against rabies as they are common victims of animal bites. You should get medical advice about an animal bite or scratch in Honduras, even if you have been vaccinated against rabies.

What hospital facilities are there in Honduras?

The state-run hospitals are not well funded and there are shortages of certain medicines. Emergency medical services are limited but there are decompression facilities available to treat divers in Roatan and on the Bay Island of Utila.

The emergency number in Honduras is 195.

Protect your health in Honduras

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne illnesses in Honduras, including zika, Chikungunya virus, malaria and dengue fever, so it is a very good idea to avoid bites wherever possible. Wear loose, neutral-coloured clothing with good limb coverage and use a reliable insect repellent. Sleep under nets wherever possible. And if a vaccine or prophylaxis is available, make use of it.

Altitude in Honduras

Parts of Honduras 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.

Dengue fever in Honduras

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Honduras 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 Honduras

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

Rabies in Honduras

There is a risk of rabies in Honduras. Ask your travel health advisor if a pre-exposure rabies vaccine is appropriate for you.