Guatemala North America And Caribbean

Guatemala, North America and Caribbean

Malaria Risk & Vaccination Information

What is the risk of malaria in Guatemala?

Malaria risk is low throughout the year in all areas below 1500m, including Guatemala city, Antigua city and lake Atitlan. Most cases occur in Escuintla and Alta Verapaz. You will require Chloroquine (Avloclor)

All areas adopt bite avoidance measures.

Please check HERE to see a malaria map of Guatemala on fitfortravel (a NHS website).

What Malaria prophylaxis do I need to prevent malaria in Guatemala?

You do not need a prescription to buy malaria medicine for the "At Risk" areas

You can order the suitable malaria medicine by clicking on the following links.

› Avloclor Tablets (Chloroquine)

We only dispense genuine UK licensed medicines.

What else can I do to prevent malaria?

For more information and advice on how to prevent malaria, see our How To Avoid Insect & Mosquito Bites page.

Chikungunya virus infection in Caribbean islands and the Americas

This is a virus passed on by being bitten by infected mosquitos. The incubation period is typically 3–7 days and symptoms include acute onset of fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, conjunctivitis, nausea/vomiting, or rash. The symptoms usually go within 10 days but in some may last months especially the elderly and people with underlying health issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

As this is a virus, there is no medication to prevent or treat the disease and anti-malarial tablets such as Chloroquine will not have an effect on it.

Bite avoidance measures should be taken and followed firmly to reduce the likelihood of being bitten.

The affected mosquitoes tend to bite during the day so wear long sleeved clothing and trousers wherever possible and ensure that a strong insect repellent is used and reapplied regularly, especially after swimming.

You should also sleep under a mosquito net and if you are staying for a long time or are unsure of the hotel/hostel, it would be advisable to take a battery operated or plug in mosquito killer for your room to kill any lingering mosquitos.

What Vaccines do I need for Guatemala?

Below is a table designed to show you what vaccines are mandatory, recommended or ones to consider when visiting Guatemala:

CholeraHepatitis AHepatitis BJapanese EncephalitisMeningitisRabies

RecCon Con

TetanusTick Borne Encephalitis Typhoid Yellow Fever Vaccine

Rec Con

Man = Mandatory

Con = Consider

Rec = Recommended

Req = Required if visiting from area with risk of transmission

Other countries in North America and Caribbean »