Risk / Health Info for Suriname

What vaccinations should I get for Suriname?

Global Travel Clinics can help you to organise all the immunisations you need for travel in South America.

Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are recommended if you are going to Suriname. They will help you avoid a pair of GI illnesses.

Some travellers are particularly at risk from rabies and should ask about a vaccine. This group includes:

• children
• travellers going to remote parts of Suriname
• anyone who will be around animals or working with them.

Some activities, such as running and cycling, increase your risk of being bitten by dogs. Ask a rabies shot if you think this applies to you. Even if you have had the vaccination, you need to get urgent medical advice about an animal bite or scratch in Suriname.

Are you at increased risk of catching hepatitis B? Certain travellers should consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis B. This group includes:

• children
• frequent and long-stay travellers
• anyone who will be working in a healthcare setting, including dentistry or in a lab that handles body fluids.

You should be aware that some activities increase your risk of contracting hep B, for example, recreational intravenous drug use and unprotected sex. Another infection route is invasive medical or cosmetic procedures. Ask about the hepatitis B vaccine if this applies to you.

Is a yellow fever vaccine needed for Suriname? The answer is yes. Your certificate is proof of immunity and a vaccination should give you lifelong immunity. So long as you keep the certificate safe, you will never need to get another one.

What hospital facilities are there in Suriname?

Healthcare facilities in Suriname are limited. You will need travel insurance that covers repatriation should this be necessary.

The emergency number in Suriname is 115.

Are mosquito-borne illnesses a problem in Suriname?

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne diseases in Suriname. You can protect yourself against two of these diseases: malaria prophylaxis is available, and a yellow fever vaccine, too. However, it is a very good idea to avoid mosquito bites wherever possible as there are no vaccines for dengue fever, Chikungunya virus or zika. You should wear clothing with good limb coverage and use a reliable insect repellent. Sleep under nets wherever possible.

Chikungunya virus in Suriname

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Suriname. 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 Suriname

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Suriname 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 Suriname

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