Health risks

Nicaragua has a developing economy and lacks an extensive tourist infrastructure. The capital is Managua.

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CRIME: Violent crime in Managua and other cities is increasing, and street crimes are common. Pickpocketing and occasional armed robberies occur on crowded buses and in open markets, particularly the large Mercado Oriental.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Very basic medical services are available in Managua and in many of the smaller towns and villages around the country. Treatment for more serious medical problems is either unavailable or available only in Managua. Certain types of medical equipment and medications are likewise unavailable in Nicaragua.

Arthropodborne diseases:

Malaria
Chagas disease
Leishmaniasis
Dengue fever

We recommend to prevent Arthropodborne diseases:

Usage of long-sleeved shirt and long pants to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects
Usage og 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

Water- and foodborne diseases:

Amoebiasis
Brucellosis
Cholera
Hepatitis A
Typhoid fever

Other diseases:

Hepatitis B
Rabies

Vaccinations recommended:

Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation.
Typhoid vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region.
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.
Use chloroquine as malaria prophylaxis, except in Madriz, Carazo and Masaya, where risk is minimal.

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 is high all year, the highest risk municipalities being Chinandega, Jinotega, Nueva Segovia, RAAN, RAAS & Rio San Juan, the risk is low or negligible in the departments of Madriz, Carazo & Masaya. Rabies.

Blood transfusion & tissue transplantation risk according to UK BTS:

Malaria: Yes, All year in whole country
Maliaria Risk Category: A
Trypanasoma Cruzi Risk: Yes
Sub Saharan Africa: No
West Nile Virus Risk: No
Chikungunya Virus Risk: No

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

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