Risk / Health Info for Ecuador

What vaccines should I get for Ecuador?

There are some recommended inoculations for Ecuador and Canadian Travel Clinics can help you arrange these. Two unpleasant GI illnesses, hepatitis A and typhoid, occur in Ecuador, but you can get shots for both.

Some groups of travellers should consider a hepatitis B vaccine. These include:

• children
• frequent travellers
• long-stay travellers
• healthcare workers
• users of recreational intravenous drugs.

Other hep B infection routes include unprotected sex and invasive medical or cosmetic procedures. If any of this applies to you, ask about vaccination against hepatitis B.

Is a yellow fever certificate needed to go to Ecuador? The answer is yes. The yellow fever vaccine gives lifelong immunity and your certificate is proof of this.

What are the healthcare facilities like in Ecuador?

If you visit the Galapagos Islands, be aware that medical facilities are limited and that serious cases will be evacuated by air ambulance. Ensure your travel insurance covers this eventuality.

The emergency number in Ecuador is 911.

Protect your health in Ecuador

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne illnesses in Ecuador, including malaria and yellow fever, 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. You can further protect your health with malaria prophylaxis, if appropriate, and vaccination against yellow fever.

Altitude in Ecuador

Parts of Ecuador 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 Ecuador

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Ecuador 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 Ecuador

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

Chikungunya virus in Ecuador

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Ecuador. 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.