Risk / Health Info for Nepal

What vaccinations should I get before I go to Nepal?

Your shots should be up to date for any trip to Nepal, including measles and polio. Consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid, two gastrointestinal illnesses spread by contaminated water and food.

If you plan to visit Nepal frequently or to stay for an extended period, protect yourself against hepatitis B. Hep B shots are also recommended if you intend to work in healthcare or dentistry, as it is spread b contact with infected blood or body flood.

Animals in Nepal can carry rabies, so make sure you have been vaccinated, especially if you will be around animals. Children are particular risk of getting bitten. Always seek immediate medical attention for any animal bite or scratch, even if you’ve had your shot.

Mosquitoes in Nepal can carry Japanese encephalitis so consider getting a shot to protect yourself. Other mosquito-borne illnesses include malaria, Zika, dengue fever and lymphatic filariasis. Avoid bites by wearing clothing that covers as much skin as possible, using a reliable insect repellent and sleeping under a net. At least six weeks before you go to Nepal, talk to your Canadian Travel Clinics adviser about anti-malaria pills.

Trekkers can get frostbite and acute mountain sickness in Nepal.

Avoid “travellers’ diarrhea” by making sure you drink commercially bottled water in Nepal, and sticking to foods you can peel or have been cooked or boiled. Wash your hands frequently.

What healthcare facilities are there in Nepal?

There is adequate medical treatment available in Kathmandu and Pokhara, but you will likely have to pay on the spot or confirm your insurance coverage. The CIWEC Clinic is a private medical facility in Kathmandu has information for visitors to Nepal. Evacuation will likely be required for serious conditions. Always carry a first aid kit. Make sure you have travel insurance that includes provisions for helicopter rescue and treatment for accidents before you leave Canada so consult your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

Dial 102 for emergency medical assistance in Nepal.

Altitude in Nepal

Parts of Nepal 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 Nepal

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Nepal 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.

Zika in Nepal

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