South America (tropic)

Guyana

Guyana is a developing nation. Tourist facilities are not fully developed, except for hotels in the capital city of Georgetown and a limited number of eco-resorts.

CRIME: Serious crime is primarily confined to the more populated areas of the country. Robberies and thefts occur frequently in Georgetown, and foreigners, in particular, are viewed as wealthy targets of opportunity. Pick-pocketing, purse snatching, assaults and thefts occur in all areas of Georgetown. The areas adjacent to the sea wall and the National Park in Georgetown, although frequented by joggers, have been the scenes of crimes ranging from pick-pocketing to armed assaults. The risk increases after dusk. Travellers should exercise extra care in visiting these areas. There has been a rise in the number of thefts from vehicles and carjackings in Georgetown. Vehicle occupants should keep their doors locked and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Police are cooperative, but they are often hampered by lack of resources.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care is available for minor medical conditions. Emergency care and hospitalisation for major medical illnesses or surgery is available, but it is limited due to lack of appropriately trained specialists, outdated diagnostic equipment and poor sanitation. Ambulance service is substandard and may not routinely be available for emergencies. Visitors are advised to bring prescription medicine sufficient for their length of stay and should be aware that Guyana's humid climate may affect some medicine. Some prescription medicines (mainly generic rather than name-brand) are available.

Arthropodborne diseases:

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 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

Water- and foodborne diseases:

Other diseases:

Vaccinations we recommend:

Yellow fever when visiting risk areas or arriving from destinations with yellow fever
Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin
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 exposed to 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.
Use mefloquine as malaria prophylaxis (chloroquine resistance).

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Updated 19-Jul-2003 • ŠtraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster

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