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      Panama

      Latest update: - Authors: Mieke Croughs, Ula Maniewski

      This page contains the main health risks for travellers and general recommendations. Travel conditions are different for everyone and each patient's health condition varies. Discuss your trip during a travel consultation with your doctor or in a travel clinic, preferably six to eight weeks before departure.

      Check the current security situation on the federal government website.

      Important health risks

      Malaria

      The malaria risk is:

      • moderate in certain regions east of the Panama Canal and some areas of the province Ngöbe/Bouglé in the west of the country (see map). We recommend the use of mosquito-repellent measures from dusk till morning. For people with an increased risk, we sometimes recommend preventive malaria tablets, or taking an emergency treatment with you.
      • low in west of the Panama Canal, including islands San Blas, Bastimentos, Parida, and Colon. We recommend the use of mosquito-repellent measures from dusk till morning.

      There is no risk of malaria in Panama City, Canal Zone, and Islands Coiba, Cebaco, Pearl Islands.

      In case of fever during or after your journey, get tested for malaria as soon as possible.

      Yellow fever

      There is a risk of yellow fever going east of the canal zone: the whole territory of Embera and Kuna Yala, the province of Darién and areas of the provinces of Colon and Panama east of the canal zone.

      There is no risk west of the Canal Zone, the city of Panama, the Canal Zone itself and the islands of Balboa (Pearl Islands) and San Blas. 

      Other insect-borne diseases

      Insects can transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, zika, leishmaniasis and Chagas disease.

      Protect yourself against insects

      Ticks

      Ticks can transmit diseases.

      Altitude sickness

      You may experience altitude sickness in areas above 2500 metres.

      Other frequent health risks while travelling

      Read these tips before you leave.

      Vaccinations

      Yellow fever

      Recommended

      Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers.
      In addition, vaccination is compulsory if you have recently been in a country where yellow fever may be present. 
      This vaccination must be administered at least ten days prior to arrival by an official yellow fever vaccination centre.

      Hepatitis A

      Recommended

      Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travellers.

      Update of basic vaccinations

      Recommended

      Other vaccinations

      Recommended for some travellers

      Discuss with your doctor whether one of the following vaccinations is recommended for you:

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