Marshall Islands
Risk / Health Info for Marshall Islands
Canadian Travel Clinics can help you to organize all the shots you need for travel in the Marshall Islands.
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. Medical facilities are only available on Majuro and Ebeye and can provide adequate care for routine medical problems, but evacuation to Hawaii will be needed a major accident or illness.
Travellers should take precautions against bug bites, so wear clothes that cover as much of the body as possible and use a reliable insect repellent. Women who may be pregnant or might be considering getting pregnant should avoid travelling to the Marshall Islands as there is a risk of Zika.
- Dengue fever in Marshall Islands
- There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Marshall 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.
- Chikungunya virus in Marshall Islands
- Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Marshall 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.
- Zika in Marshall Islands
- Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Marshall 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 Marshall 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.
Recommended Vaccines for Marshall Islands
| 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 |
Book your Travel Vaccinations For Marshall Islands
About Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands experience consistently warm temperatures and humid conditions throughout the year. Islanders are friendly and welcoming to strangers and, because of the strong emphasis they place on family ties, feel very sorry for lone travellers.
top Tips for travelling to Marshall Islands
In the past, the Marshallese were able to use stick-and-shell charts, which mapped stars and ocean swells, to travel long distances by sea. A useful resource is the Marshall Islands Guide.