Risk / Health Info for Venezuela

What vaccines should I get for Venezuela?

The inoculations you need for Venezuela are listed on this page. The shots for hepatitis A and typhoid will protect you from a pair of unpleasant GI illnesses.

Certain travellers should consider a hepatitis B vaccine as they are at increased risk of exposure to this virus. This group includes:

• children
• frequent and long-stay travellers
• anyone travelling to work in a healthcare setting or a lab that handles bodily fluids

Other hep B infection routes include recreational intravenous drug use, unprotected sex and invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

Rabies occurs in Venezuela and if you are going to a remote region or if you will be working with animals particularly bats and dogs consider getting this vaccine. 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 Venezuela, even if you have been vaccinated.

Do you need a yellow fever certificate to go to Venezuela? The answer is yes. The shot 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.

What are the healthcare facilities like in Venezuela?

Medical coverage is patchy and for complex procedures, evacuation will be necessary. Venezuela is vulnerable to shortages of medical supplies. Good travel health insurance is strongly recommended as repatriation or evacuation will be necessary if you need a complex procedure.

Will I be able to buy my normal medications during my trip to Venezuela?

There are widespread shortages of medical necessities in Venezuela. You should bring everything you need for your entire trip.

Avoid mosquito bites in Venezuela

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne illnesses in Venezuela including dengue fever, malaria, yellow fever and zika, 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 by having a yellow fever vaccination and by taking anti malaria tablets

Altitude in Venezuela

Parts of Venezuela 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 Venezuela

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Venezuela 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.

Schistosomiasis in Venezuela

The schistosomiasis parasite enters humans through the skin during contact with fresh water. To prevent infection, avoid swimming or paddling in lakes and streams in Venezuela. This condition is also known as bilharzia.

Zika in Venezuela

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