Health tips for travellers
Planning a trip abroad? Make sure you’re well informed about any potential health risks before your departure. This page offers plenty of useful travel tips to help you stay healthy, whether your destination is nearby or across the globe, and no matter how long you’ll be staying. Have a safe trip!
Current notices
Dengue in the Antilles
The majority of dengue cases acquired abroad by travellers from Quebec in 2024 and 2025 originated in the French West Indies, particularly in Guadeloupe and Martinique. Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease that causes flu-like symptoms, and, in some cases, can lead to severe illness involving major bleeding. See the Mosquitoes section below to learn more about how to protect yourself against mosquito bites.
Hepatitis A in Cuba
Cuban public health authorities have issued an alert to tourists following an increase in hepatitis A cases in recent months. Some travellers from Quebec have also contracted the disease during recent stays in Cuba. Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection that is typically transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food or water. Vaccination is the best way to prevent hepatitis A, along with the preventive measures outlined in the Food and Water section below. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to ensure that you are fully vaccinated against hepatitis A.
Rabies in the Dominican Republic
Human cases of rabies have been reported following animal bites in public areas across the country. Rabies is a fatal disease, primarily transmitted through exposure to the saliva of infected animals. The Dominican Republic, popular with travellers from Quebec, remains a high-risk destination for rabies. See the Animals section below to learn more about how to protect yourself, or discuss this risk with a healthcare professional during your pre-travel consultation.
Oropouche fever in the Americas
Oropouche fever is on the rise in some South American countries (mainly Brazil, but also Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru) and on certain Caribbean islands (including Cuba and the Dominican Republic). Several travellers have contracted the disease while visiting Cuba. Transmitted by mosquitoes and midges, Oropouche fever can cause fever, as well as symptoms such as headaches and generalized pain. Be sure to take preventive measures against mosquito bites while staying in these countries. Pregnant individuals should take extra precautions and seek a pre-travel health consultation.
How should I prepare for my trip?
- For most destinations, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional experienced in travel medicine, ideally six weeks prior to departure. This specialist can:
- Check that your basic vaccinations are up to date
- Determine whether any specific vaccinations are recommended for your destination and planned activities
- Advise you on how to protect yourself against illnesses
- Prescribe preventive medications, or medications to take in case of illness acquired while travelling (e.g., traveller's diarrhea)
- To find a travel health clinic in your region, ask your family doctor or local CIUSSS or search “travel health clinic” and your region in your web browser.
- At your appointment, be sure to have your travel itinerary, vaccination record, a list of your medications, and any other relevant health information.
- Make sure to obtain travel insurance that includes medical repatriation coverage.
- If you are taking prescription medications on your trip, ensure they are in their original containers with pharmacy labels, and carry a copy of the prescription that includes both the generic and trade names of the medications.
- Refer to the Government of Canada’s Travel advice and advisories by destination and Travel health kit web pages to prepare for a worry-free journey.
Mosquitoes
Mosquito-borne diseases are on the rise in several countries.
Tips to stay safe:
- Use mosquito repellent (DEET- or icaridin-based for adults and children over 6 months).
- Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes.
- Sleep in a closed room or under a mosquito net.
- Refer to the Protect yourself and your animals from mosquito and tick bites page on Quebec.ca for more information.
Food and water
No destination is completely free from the risk of food- and water-borne diseases.
Here are key tips for safely consuming food and water during your trip:
- Wash your hands with soapy water or a 70% alcohol-based solution before preparing or eating food.
- Only eat foods that have been properly cooked, boiled, or peeled.
- Drink water that has been boiled or treated, or bottled (for most destinations).
- Refer to the Eat and drink safely abroad page on Travel.gc.ca for more information.
Animals
While activities involving animals are popular with tourists, many diseases can be transmitted by animals (monkeys, dogs, birds, bats, camels, etc.) and can be fatal if left untreated.
Here are some tips to help keep you and your family safe:
- Avoid all contact with animals, especially stray and wild animals, and places where they are sold or slaughtered.
- Supervise your children whenever in the presence of an animal.
- If bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes, then disinfect it with a virucidal agent (such as providone-iodine, iodine, ethanol, chlorhexidine).
- In bitten by a mammal, in addition to the above measures, consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible (ideally within 24 hours) to assess the risk of rabies. Rabies is fatal if not treated quickly.
Sexually transmitted infections
Infections primarily spread through unprotected sexual contact are steadily increasing worldwide. For example, since 2022, mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) has been spreading through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, particularly when lesions are present. To lower your risk of mpox and other sexually transmitted infections and to travel with greater peace of mind, take the following precautions:
- Use protection during sexual activity.
- Ensure that you are up to date on the vaccinations you are eligible for, including those against mpox, HPV, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B.
- If you’re living with HIV, check whether your destination has any specific travel restrictions, and refer to the COCQ-SIDA website to help ensure a safe and healthy trip.
Respiratory infections
Respiratory infections (COVID-19, flu, measles, etc.) can quickly derail your trip.
Here are some tips to protect yourself and others:
- Wash your hands frequently with soapy water or a 70% alcohol-based solution.
- Wear a mask if you have symptoms of a cold or are visiting crowded places.
- Ensure that your vaccinations for these illnesses are up to date.
Important note
The Guide d’intervention santé-voyage on the Institut national de santé publique du Québec’s website is designed as a resource for healthcare professionals. While this guide is publicly accessible and may offer useful information, it is not a substitute for a medical consultation with a healthcare professional.