Risk / Health Info for Aruba

You can make sure all your shots are up to date with Canadian Travel Clinics before you leave for Aruba. Consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, and also typhoid. Remember, if you can’t peel, cook or boil food, don’t eat it.

Take care to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes so you can avoid mosquito-borne illnesses such as Zika, chikungunya and dengue fever.

Chikungunya virus in Aruba

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Aruba. 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 Aruba

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

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