Risk / Health Info for Panama

What immunisations do I need for Panama?

The vaccines you need for Panama include hepatitis A, which will protect you against an unpleasant viral GI infection.

Some groups of travellers should consider a hepatitis B vaccine. These include 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 body 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 Panama 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 Panama, even if you have been vaccinated.

Can I get medical treatment in Panama?

Private healthcare facilities are good in the capital of Panama. Medical care can be very expensive so be sure to get travel health insurance before you go.

The emergency number in Panama is 911.

Protect your health in Panama

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne illnesses in Panama, including malaria, Chikungunya virus, dengue fever and zika, so it is a very good idea to avoid bites wherever possible. Here are some steps to avoid mosquito bites.

• wear clothing with good limb coverage
• use a reliable insect repellent
• sleep in an air-conditioned room or under nets wherever possible.

You can further reduce your risk by making use of any vaccines or prophylaxis that may be available. You can get anti-malarial pills, and a yellow fever vaccination will give you lifelong immunity.

Altitude in Panama

Parts of Panama 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 Panama

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Panama. 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 Panama

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Panama 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 Panama

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