Risk / Health Info for Guyana

What inoculations should I get for Guyana?

For a trip to Guyana recommended vaccines include hepatitis and typhoid, which will offer protection against two common GI diseases that can are picked up from contaminated food and water.

Do you need a yellow fever certificate to go to Guyana? The answer is yes. The vaccine gives lifelong immunity and your certificate is proof of this. So long as you keep the certificate safe, you will never need to get another yellow fever vaccination.

Some travellers should consider a hepatitis B vaccine. This group includes 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 bodily 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 Guyana and if you are going to a remote region or if you will be working with animals particularly bats and dogs consider getting this shot. Children should also be vaccinated against rabies as they may get bitten while playing with animals, often on the face or neck. Seek urgent medical advice about an animal bite or scratch in Guyana, even if you have been vaccinated.

Are there hospitals in Guyana?

Medical facilities are of a low standard and medical evacuation is the best option for serious illness or injury.

The emergency number in Guyana is 913.

Avoid mosquito bites in Guyana

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne diseases in Guyana, including Chikungunya virus, dengue fever, malaria and zika – so it is a very good idea to practise mosquito avoidance. You should wear clothing with good limb coverage and use a reliable insect repellent. Sleep under nets wherever possible. You will need to ensure you have been immunised against yellow fever before you go to Guyana. Malaria prophylaxis is available, and you should discuss it with your travel health advisor to work out whether it is appropriate for you.

Chikungunya virus in Guyana

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Guyana. 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 Guyana

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Guyana 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 Guyana

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