Tuvalu
Risk / Health Info for Tuvalu
If you are travelling to Tuvalu, vaccinations are recommended. Medical and dental facilities are limited, although there is a hospital on Funafuti. On outer islands, healthcare is provided by nurses.
To avoid “travellers’ diarrhea” and other gastrointestinal illnesses, drink commercially bottled water. Avoid using ice cubes, and remember to avoid eating food that you can’t peel, cook or boil.
Because of the risk of chikungunya, dengue fever and Zika, travellers are advised to protect themselves against mosquito and all insect bites. Wear clothes that cover as much skin as possible, and use a reliable insect repellent.
If you travel outside Canada you need travel insurance to make sure you are covered for any medical costs, no matter where you’re going or how long you’ll be there. Before you leave the country, check with your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.
- Dengue fever in Tuvalu
- There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Tuvalu. 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 Tuvalu
- Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Tuvalu. 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 Tuvalu
- Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Tuvalu. 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 Tuvalu. 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.
Recommended Vaccines for Tuvalu
| Vaccine Name | Course |
|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | 2 Doses |
| Hepatitis A and B combined (adult) | 3 Doses |
| Hepatitis A and B combined (paediatric) | 2 Doses |
| Hepatitis A and typhoid (combined) | 1 Dose |
| Hepatitis A (paediatric) | 1 Dose |
| Hepatitis B | 3 Doses |
| Hepatitis B (paediatric) | 3 Doses |
| Typhoid | 1 Dose |
| Typhoid (oral) | 1 Dose |
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About Tuvalu
Tuvalu is the perfect destination for a lazy beach holiday. It is a group of atolls and islands in the Pacific. The islands are very remote and there is an airport and hotels on Funafuti.
top Tips for travelling to Tuvalu
The outer atolls and islands can be accessed by a cargo ship that does a round trip once a month or so. There should be guesthouse accommodation once you get there, but check locally first. Global Affairs Canada recommends that because of the laws in Tuvalu, LGBTQ2 travellers would be wise to carefully consider the risks of travelling to Tuvalu. Visitors should dress conservatively so as not to offend local sensitivities.