Risk / Health Info for Cayman Islands

What immunisations do I need for Cayman Islands?

Global Travel Clinics can help you work out what immunisations you need to go to Cayman Islands. The list of vaccines you should consider before you go to the Cayman Islands includes vaccines for two GI illnesses: typhoid and hepatitis A.

Some groups of travellers should get a hepatitis B vaccine before they go to the Cayman Islands. 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.

What are the healthcare facilities like in Cayman Islands?

Routine medical treatment is available but if you are very ill you will be stabilised and then evacuated to Miami. It is important to ensure your travel insurance covers this eventuality, as well as any care you receive in the US.

The emergency number in Cayman Islands is 911.

Protect your health in Cayman Islands

As there are several mosquito-borne illnesses going around the Cayman Islands, including zika, dengue fever and Chikungunya virus, it is important to protect yourself against mosquito bites during the day and at night. Some tips for protecting yourself from mosquito bites include:

• wear loose clothing with good limb coverage
• apply a reliable insect repellent
• sleep in an air-conditioned room or under nets
• if a vaccine or prophylaxis is available, make use of it.

Chikungunya virus in Cayman Islands

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Cayman Islands. 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 Cayman Islands

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

Zika in Cayman Islands

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