Climate change and travel health

Climate change and travel

Climate change is a long-term shift in the average weather of a region. It is impacting places and people around the world.

Due to climate change, some countries are more likely to experience:

extreme weather events
changes to infectious disease patterns

If you’re planning a trip outside of Canada, learn about how climate change can impact your health and safety.

Climate change and infectious disease risks

The organisms that cause disease (called pathogens) and the living things that spread disease to humans (called vectors) can be affected by temperature changes and other climate change related events.

Climate change can result in:

vectors (such as mosquitos and ticks) that carry diseases
- moving into new areas
- remaining in areas for longer periods of time
changes to the times of the year or length of time when diseases are more likely to spread

As a result of these changes, you could be at increased risk of being exposed to an infectious disease when travelling outside of Canada.

Climate change can affect all travellers. However, risk of illness or injury may be higher for:

young children
older travellers
pregnant travellers
travellers living with chronic illnesses or physical disabilities

Check the “Health" section of your destination's travel advice and advisories page to find out more about infectious disease risks.

Travel advice and advisories by destination

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Extreme weather event health risks

Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and more intense due to climate change.

Extreme weather events could happen at your destination(s) when travelling, such as:

droughts
wildfires and bush fires
torrential rains and floods
storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.
worsening air quality, due to wildfires, dust or allergens
extreme heat, commonly called “heat waves”, or extreme cold

Even if your destination(s) is familiar, extreme weather events are:

happening more regularly
possibly more severe than in the past
occurring at times of the year when you may not expect them

Check the ‘Natural disasters and climate’ section of your destination’s travel advice and advisories page to learn more about the risks.

Travel advice and advisories by destination

Before you travel

Check the travel advice and advisories page for your destination(s) when you’re planning your trip and just before you go for the latest health and safety information.
Visit a travel health clinic or health care provider preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations. Discuss:
- which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination(s) and itinerary.
- the medications you’re taking or bringing as some can interfere with your body’s ability to regulate your temperature, potentially putting you at greater risk of overheating during an extreme heat event.
Buy travel insurance.
Pack a travel health kit.
Sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to stay connected with the Government of Canada in case of an emergency abroad or an emergency at home.

Learn more:

Protect yourself during your trip

Avoid bug bites, which cause infectious diseases, by using an approved insect repellent and by covering exposed skin with long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hats.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or, if unavailable, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
If your hands are visibly dirty, wash them with soap and water instead of using hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unclean hands.
Practise safe food and water precautions, including following any boil water advisories.
Avoid contact with live (or dead) animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, rodents, birds, and bats.
Regularly check the weather forecast (before and during travel)
Protect yourself from extreme heat and sun exposure by wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, and staying hydrated.
Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion, including:
- headache
- nausea or vomiting
- dizziness or fainting
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call your destination’s local emergency number immediately if you or anyone in your care experiences any of these symptoms:
- high body temperature
- confusion and lack of coordination
- very hot or red skin

If you’re affected by an extreme weather event while travelling, you can find contact information for government offices that provide consular services to Canadian citizens abroad.

Embassies and consulates by destination

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