Risk / Health Info for Guam

You will need some vaccines before going to Guam and your healthcare adviser can guide you.

There are good quality hospitals in Guam and complex cases from other parts of the Pacific may be brought to the island. You will need travel insurance to make sure you are covered for any medical costs, so check with your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

Taking precautions against mosquito bites would be prudent, as mosquito-borne diseases are becoming more common. Women who are pregnant or might become pregnant might consider not visiting Guam because there is a risk of Zika.

To avoid “travellers’ diarrhea” and other gastrointestinal illnesses in Guam, drink commercially bottled water. Avoid using ice cubes, and remember to avoid eating food that you can’t peel, cook or boil.

Dengue fever in Guam

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

Chikungunya virus in Guam

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Guam. 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.

Zika in Guam

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