Health risks

The Republic of Mauritius is an island nation in the southwestern Indian Ocean with a stable government and growing economy. Facilities for tourism are well developed. English, French, and Creole are spoken; English and French are common in the main towns and tourist areas, but may not be understood in outlying villages. The capital city is Port Louis.

CRIME : Petty crime is a problem. It is unwise to walk alone at night outside the immediate grounds of hotels. There is a potential for pickpocketing at the central market in Port Louis.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities are available, but they are limited. Emergency assistance is limited. While public hospitals and clinics provide free care, many visitors may choose to be treated by private doctors and hospitals.

More than 20 mill. people are infected by HIV in the subsaharian Africa.

Arthropodborne diseases are a great problem in this region af Africa.

We recommend:

  • Usage of long-sleeved shirt and long pants to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects
  • Usage of insect repellent containing DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide), in 30%–35% strength for adults and 6%–10% for children. Unless you are staying in air-conditioned or well-screened housing
  • Usage of a bed net impregnated with the insecticide permethrin.
  • Staying and sleeping in air-conditioned houses

Arthropod borne diseases:

  • Malaria
  • Filariasis
  • Leishamaniasis
  • Relapsing fever
  • Epidemic typhusr

Water- and foodborne diseases:

  • Cholera
  • Amoebiasis
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis E
  • Typhoid fever
  • Giardiasis
  • ETEC E.coli

Other diseases:

  • Hepatitis B
  • Trachoma
  • HIV
  • Poliomyelitis
  • Schistosomiasis (Bilharziasis)

Vaccinations recommended:

  • Yellow fever when entering from a yellow fever endemic region
  • Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin (IG)
  • Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
  • Typhoid fever - vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region
  • Rabies - if risk for contact with wild or domestic animals
  • A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within th last 10 years.

Stay healthy:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water
  • Drink only boiled water, or water and carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans;
  • Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes
  • Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it
  • Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents (applied sparingly at 4-hour intervals) and permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn
  • Prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot
  • Do not travel at night
  • Trafic accidents are frequent, be careful
  • Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases;
  • Don't eat food purchased from street vendors
  • Malaria prophylaxis is not recommended

Compulsory vaccinations: yellow fever certificate if arriving from infected areas. Exempt infants under 1 year.

Recommended immunisations: diphtheria, hepatitis A, *hepatitis B, *malaria, polio, *TB, tetanus, typhoid * recommended in some circumstances, travellers making 3 or more visits per year, stays of more than 3 months in a rural area, high-risk occupational groups & backpackers staying more than 1 month.

Risks: malaria risk all year in some rural areas, except Rodrigues Island. Rabies.

Blood transfusion & tissue transplantation risk according to UK BTS:

  • Malaria: Yes, The risk to tourists is minimal but there may be a small risk of malaria in rural areas of Mauritius Island itself, No risk in Rodriguez Island
  • Maliaria Risk Category: C
  • Trypanasoma Cruzi Risk: No
  • Sub Saharan Africa: No
  • West Nile Virus Risk: No
  • Chikungunya Virus Risk: Yes

Yellow fever vaccination requirements and recommendations and malaria situation in Mauritius
Food and Water Safety
HIV Risk
Check travelers health risks by CDC before, after and while traveling to Mauritius and prevention before arrival at Mauritius

Travel data, health safety, warnings and recommendations for Canadian who willing to visit Mauritius