Mauritius

Have a safe trip with travel vaccines and advice from medical professionals.

Travel health and safety for Mauritius 🇲🇺

Mauritius is a tropical island paradise known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re hiking through lush forests, snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs, or enjoying the cultural fusion of Indian, French, and Creole influences, this island offers a rich and relaxing escape.

While health care is generally good in urban areas, travelers should still be mindful of certain health risks. Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever can occur, especially during the rainy season. Tap water may not be safe to drink in all areas, so bottled water is recommended. To stay protected, plan ahead with a Virtual Travel Consultation.

Travel Immunizations for Mauritius

What vaccines do I need for Mauritius? Get all the information and vaccinations you need to minimize travel health risks.

Hepatitis A virus can cause liver disease, and in rare cases, liver failure and death.

  • Can be spread by fecal-oral transmission, consuming contaminated food or water, or close, personal contact with an infected person.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and joint pain.

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and causes chronic infection and liver cancer.

  • Its primary mode of transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through unprotected sex or sharing needles.
  • Symptoms may range from mild to severe, including fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting and joint pain.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when traveling internationally.

  • Spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with infected individuals.
  • Symptoms initially resemble a common cold, followed by a characteristic rash, fever, cough, runny nose, small, white spots inside the mouth and throat, red eyes, sleepiness, and irritability.

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by salmonella from improperly prepared food or contaminated water.

  • Typhoid vaccine is available in both injectable and oral forms and provides protection against typhoid fever.    
  • Symptoms of typhoid fever include a high fever, headache, weakness, fatigue, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite, and a rose-colored rash on the chest and abdomen.

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Health Canada strongly advises travelers ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date, including:

Chickenpox (Varicella)

Guards against the varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chickenpox.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP)

Protects against three different bacterial infections.

Flu (Influenza)

Vaccination against seasonal influenza strains is essential.

Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Provides immunity against all three diseases in one shot.

Polio

Essential for guarding against the poliovirus.

Shingles

Offers protection against a viral infection that causes painful rashes.

COVID-19

The ongoing pandemic necessitates adherence to vaccination guidelines and preventive measures.

Mauritius Concerns / Health Canada Recommendations

Most common illness for travelers, from consuming contaminated food & water

  • Affects up to 70% of travelers and risks minimized with good hygiene and safe food/drink choices (e.g. avoid raw foods, ice in drinks).
  • Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, bloating.
  • Azithromycin, the first-line antibiotic against travelers diarrhea, is available by prescription for self-treatment if symptoms develop. This can be obtained in your Travel Medicine consultation.

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. Cover up and use insect repellents to protect against infection.

  • Dengue: Symptoms include high-grade fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and nausea/vomiting.
  • Chikungunya: Symptoms include joint pains, fever, rash, and headache.

Over the Counter Medications for Travel to Mauritius

Pain Relief

Medications such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) can be helpful for managing headaches, muscle pain, or fever.

Anti-Diarrheal Medications

It’s advisable to carry over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (e.g., Imodium) to treat mild cases of traveler’s diarrhea. However, it’s important to stay hydrated and seek medical attention if diarrhea persists or worsens.

Antacids

Antacids like Tums or Pepto-Bismol can provide relief from indigestion or heartburn, which can sometimes occur when trying new foods or experiencing changes in diet during travel.

Allergy Medications

If you have known allergies, carrying antihistamines like cetirizine (e.g., Reactine) or diphenhydramine (e.g., Benadryl) can help manage allergic reactions to environmental allergens or insect bites.

Motion Sickness Medications

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider carrying medication like dimenhydrinate (e.g., Gravol) to alleviate symptoms during long journeys or when traveling by car, train, or boat.

Sun Protection

It is essential to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing.

Medical Services and Facilities in Mauritius
  • Medical care is available in Mauritius, with better standards typically found in private clinics, which often require upfront payment.
  • Specialized treatment may not be available locally; medical evacuation could be necessary in serious cases.
  • Travel insurance should include coverage for hospital stays and medical evacuation.

Consular Assistance Mauritius

Street Address: 3 Royal Street, Sir Jean Moilin Court, Port Louis, Mauritius

Telephone: +230 5500 2808

Email: port-louis@international.gc.ca

Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/mauritius-maurice/port_louis.aspx?lang=eng

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Emergency Services

In case of emergency, dial:

  • 999/112 for police
  • 114 for medical assistance
  • 995/115 for firefighters

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