World Country Guide

1
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers arriving within from infected areas.

2
Typhoid may occur (vaccination is advised); poliomyelitis is not reported.

3
Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists throughout the year in the three southern districts of the country. In Paramaribo city and the seven coastal districts, transmission risk is low or negligible. The falciparum strain is reported to be resistant to chloroquine, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and some decline in sensitivity to quinine has been reported. Mefloquine is therefore the recommended prophylaxis.

Food & drink
Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Drinking water outside main cities and towns is likely to be contaminated and sterilisation is considered essential. The Melk Centrale (Government Dairy Company) sells pasteurised milk but otherwise milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other risks
Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water; swimming pools which are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Hepatitis A occurs; hepatitis B is highly endemic. Myiasis (botfly and screw worm) occurs in rural areas. Dengue fever is increasing. There is a high prevalence of the HIV/AIDS virus.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Health care
Health insurance is strongly recommended. Medical care is limited: there is only one emergency room in Paramaribo and there are few hospitals in outlying areas.