Risk / Health Info for Turks And Caicos Islands

What vaccines do I need for the Turks and Caicos Islands?

Make sure your shots are up to date before you leave for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our experts can help you protect yourself against hepatitis A and typhoid, both spread by contaminated water and food and preventable by vaccine.

Children going to the Turks and Caicos Islands should consider a hepatitis B shot. Other travellers going to the islands who should protect themselves against hep B are frequent and long-stay travellers and anyone who might come in contact with infected blood or body fluids, such as in a healthcare or dentistry settings or through invasive medical or cosmetic treatments. Hepatitis B can be spread by shared needles and unprotected sex, too.

What medical facilities are there in the Turks and Caicos Islands?

Adequate public and private facilities are available throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands, but serious cases might require evacuation. Providenciales and Grand Turk both have hospital facilities operated by a Canadian company called Interhealth Canada. There is a decompression chamber on Providenciales. Make sure you have travel insurance and sufficient funds to cover the cost of medical treatment and evacuation before you leave for the Turks and Caicos Islands. Consult your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

The emergency number in the Turks and Caicos Islands is 911.

Protect your health in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Several mosquito-borne illnesses are present in the Turks and Caicos Islands including Zika, chikungunya virus and dengue fever, so take care to avoid getting bitten. Keep covered with loose neutral-coloured clothing that covers as much skin as possible, and use a reliable insect repellent. Sleep in an air-conditioned room or under nets wherever possible.

Chikungunya virus in Turks And Caicos Islands

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Turks And Caicos 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 Turks And Caicos Islands

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Turks And Caicos 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 Turks And Caicos Islands

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Turks And Caicos 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 Turks And Caicos 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.