Risk / Health Info for Jamaica

Do I need vaccines for Jamaica?

Always make sure your shots are up to date before you go to Jamaica. Vaccinations can protect you from gastrointestinal illnesses caused by hepatitis A and typhoid and there are other ways you can stay healthy while you travel.

Hepatitis B shots are recommended for Jamaica, especially for children and frequent and long-stay travellers, and for people who work in healthcare or dentistry, or work with blood or other body fluids. Hep B is also transmitted through shared needles, unprotected sex, tattooing or piercing, and other medical or cosmetic procedures.

Can I get medical care in Jamaica?

Jamaica has good medical facilities in Kingston and the popular tourist areas, but it may be expensive. Evacuation may be needed in some emergencies. Always make sure you have access to emergency cash and ensure that your travel insurance is up to date before you leave home. Your Canadian health insurance will not cover you when you leave the country, so check with your provincial or territorial health authority.

Protect your health in Jamaica

Several mosquito-borne illnesses are common in Jamaica, especially Zika. dengue fever, chikungunya and West Nile virus are also spread by mosquitoes. You can protect yourself from bites by wearing clothing that covers your arms and legs and always using a reliable insect repellent. Air-conditioned sleeping rooms and mosquito nets also reduce your risk. Ask your travel adviser about how to reduce your chances of getting infected by a rogue mosquito.

Chikungunya virus in Jamaica

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Jamaica. 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 Jamaica

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

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