French Guiana

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* The Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers over the age of 1 year of age. Please click on the disease name above for more information.

Other vaccine preventable risks

The following vaccinations may be considered depending on your itinerary and planned activities. These can be discussed in more detail with one of our travel health consultants.  

Hepatitis B

Rabies

Tuberculosis

Cholera

Malaria risk

There is a high risk of Malaria  in the territories bordering Brazil and along the Maroni river valley. There is less risk along the coast. Malaria tablets are advised for high risk areas. These can be discussed in detail with one of our travel health consultants. 

Non-vaccine preventable risks

• Travellers' Diarrhoea  is usually caused by eating contaminated food or drinking unsafe water.  Symptoms may be severe with frequent watery stools, thirst, dry mouth and tongue, headache and weakness. Water should always be treated when there is doubt about its cleanliness. Food that may be contaminated must be thoroughly cooked and hands washed prior to eating.

• HIV infection is spread through sexual intercourse or infected blood or blood products (e.g. through blood transfusions or the use of blood contaminated instruments such as intravenous needles). 

• Onchocerciasis (river blindness) is spread through the bite of a small black fly which breeds in fast flowing water. It can cause a skin rash with intense itching which usually occurring months or years later post exposure. Occasionally the eye can be affected. Camping near rivers should be avoided and precautions taken against bites. 

• Dengue Fever, which is often referred to as break-bone fever, is spread through the bite of the mosquito. It causes a feverish illness with headache and muscle pains like a bad, prolonged, attack of influenza. A rash can also develop. It is becoming more common in many parts of the world. Mosquito bites should be avoided whenever possible. 

• Trypanosomiasis (American) is transmitted to humans through the skin of infected reduviid bugs.  The disease may have an acute but often asymptomatic phase, followed by chronic systemic symptoms.  The risk to travellers is generally low, unless staying for prolonged periods in very rural and poor circumstances.

• Schistomiasis (Bilharzia) is spread through the fresh water snail. The larvae produced by the snails can swim and seek out human skin and find their way into the bladder and intestine. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, blood in urine and stools.  Paddling or swimming in suspect fresh water lakes or slow running rivers should be avoided.

• Filariasis (Bancrofti) is spread through the bite of the mosquito. It can cause fever and skin inflammation. Later swelling of the legs, arms or genitalia may develop but usually only after repeated infections. It is not usually a problem for the short-term traveller staying in good accommodation. Mosquito bites should be avoided whenever possible.