Risk / Health Info for Haiti

What vaccinations do I need for Haiti?

Make sure your shots are up to date before you leave for Haiti. Our advisers can design a travel health program that includes the shots you need, so book a visit at least six weeks before you leave. Many illnesses can be prevented by a vaccination. Prevention is especially important for children and healthcare workers, and for people planning to visit frequently or for extended periods. Those people are at a higher risk.

Cholera has been common in Haiti for some time, but can be prevented by getting vaccinated.

There is a risk of contracting hepatitis A and B or typhoid in Haiti so people planning to visit should get vaccinated before they leave.

Hepatitis A and cholera and other illnesses including schistosomiasis can be contracted by contaminated water and food. Hep B can be contracted through sexual contact, medical treatment, shared needles or tattooing.

There is rabiesin Haiti so avoid contact with animals, particularly dogs and bats. Everyone’s shots, including children, should be up to date before arrival. Always get medical advice about an animal bite or scratch in Haiti, even if your shots are up to date.

Follow the golden rule in Haiti: if you can’t peel it, cook it or boil it, leave it! Always use boiled or disinfected water or water that has been commercially bottled. And wash your hands frequently.

What are the healthcare facilities like in Haiti?

There are very limited medical facilities in Haiti and they are easily overwhelmed. There may be no emergency service, and evacuation might be necessary in a life-threatening situation. Before you leave Canada, check with your provincial or territorial health authority to make sure you have adequate travel insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and medical evacuation in an emergency.

The emergency number in Haiti is 113.

Will I be able to buy medication in Haiti?

Medication in Haiti is hard to find and poor quality compared to Canada. Always bring enough to last for your entire trip.

Protect your health in Haiti

There is a risk of mosquito-borne diseases including Zika, dengue, Chikungunya and malaria in Haiti. Protect yourself by covering up, using a reliable insect repellent and staying in air-conditioned accommodations with window screens. Some people prefer to use insecticide-treated bednets or pre-treat their travel gear with insecticides.

Altitude in Haiti

Parts of Haiti 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.

Chikungunya virus in Haiti

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Haiti. 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 Haiti

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Haiti 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 Haiti

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

Schistosomiasis in Haiti

The schistosomiasis parasite enters humans through the skin during contact with fresh water. To prevent infection, avoid swimming or paddling in lakes and streams in Haiti. This condition is also known as bilharzia.