South America (tropic)

Suriname (Republic of)

The Republic of Suriname is a developing nation located on the northern coast of South America. While Dutch is the official language of Suriname, English is widely used, and most tourist arrangements can be made in English. Tourist facilities are widely available in the capital city of Paramaribo, but they are less developed and in some cases non-existent in the rugged jungle interior. The Government of Suriname encourages ecotourism, and it has expanded tourism to the interior by establishing guest houses and tour packages.

CRIME: Criminal activity throughout the country is on the rise, and foreigners, are viewed as targets of opportunity. Burglary, armed robbery and violent crime occur with some frequency in Paramaribo and in outlying areas. Pickpocketing and robbery are increasingly common in the major business and shopping districts in the capital, with pickpocketing being most common.

While travel to the interior is generally trouble-free, there have been reports of tourists being robbed. Police presence outside Paramaribo is minimal, and banditry and lawlessness are on the rise in the cities of Albina and Moengo, as well as along the East-West Highway between Paramaribo and Albina. Travelers proceeding to the interior are advised to make use of well-established tour companies for a safer experience.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care, including emergency medical care, is limited and does not meet Western standards. There is one public emergency room in Paramaribo, and only a small ambulance fleet to provide emergency transport. Hospital facilities are not air- conditioned, although private rooms with individual air- conditioning are available at extra cost. Emergency medical care outside Paramaribo is limited, and is virtually non-existent in the interior of the country.

Arthropodborne diseases:

• Malaria
• Chagas disease
• Leishmaniasis
• Yellow fever in the forests

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:

• Travellers diarrhoea
• Hepatitis A
• Amoebiasis

Other diseases:

• Hepatitis B

Vaccinations recommended;

• Yellow fever if visiting is planned to risk areas. And when entering from a yellow fever endemic region.
• 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 in risk areas, the three districts in south. Minimal risk in the coast areas (chloroquine resistance).

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Updated 21-Jul-2003 • İtraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster

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