Guyana - Health

Guyana Health for Visitors

Medical care is provided for minor medical conditions, but facilities are limited outside of Georgetown. Private hospitals and clinics provide higher-quality care than public hospitals.

Emergency care and hospitalizations for major medical illnesses or surgery are inconsistent due to the lack of appropriately trained doctors and poor in-hospital care and sanitation.

In the event of serious illness or injury, medical evacuation to neighbouring countries may be required, which might be highly expensive.

Make sure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:

Be sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines.

Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended.

Yellow Fever vaccinations are required if you are travelling from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever virus transmission.

Food and Water Concerns:

Water-borne diseases increase during periods of flooding. Only bottled or purified water should be consumed, and special precautions should be taken when eating fruits and vegetables during the rainy seasons.

Mosquito-borne Diseases:

The CDC recommends that visitors to certain areas of Guyana take malaria prevention medication.

There is a risk of zika virus and dengue in this country.

Because of the risks to pregnancy, travellers should consult the CDC Travelers’ Health website for the most current recommendations for Zika.

Prevention:

• Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply according to the manufacturer's directions.
• Wear a neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing.
• Pre-soak or spray the outer layer of clothing and gear with permethrin.
• Ensure that the hatch and window screens work properly.

Other Diseases:

Leptospirosis is present. This is a viral infection spread via rodent droppings and waste.

STDs

Special attention should be paid to HIV/AIDS, Guyana has among the highest prevalence rates in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Prescription Drugs:

Visitors should bring prescription medicine sufficient for their length of stay. Some common generic prescription medicines are available.

Emergency Numbers:

See Emergencies.

For a full list of health facilities in all regions of Guyana, see the Ministry of Health website.

Useful links:

• Guyana Ministry of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Last updated:  March 2024