Canada

MAIN HEALTH RISKS

• In Ontario, where no case had been reported until now, three persons have shown symptoms of West Nile fever. One of them died before it was officially confirmed that the death was linked to the West Nile virus.
• There is no vaccination against this virus, which is spread by mosquitoes. It is thus capital to take all necessary measures to protect yourself from mosquitoes, especially in marshy areas.

FOOD SAFETY

• No specific risk.

IMMUNIZATIONS AND MEDICATION

• No specific immunization is required from travelers entering the country.
Systematically:
• Hepatitis B: the vaccination is available for children at least two months old.
• Diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis: get a booster shot before leaving if your last shot is more than ten years old.



Depending on the duration and conditions of the trip:
• Rabies: recommended for long stays in isolation. The immunization should be given to children as soon as they are able to walk.

HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURES

Vancouver
• General Hospital: phone + 1 604 875 41 11
• Children's hospital: phone + 1 604 875 23 45
• Lions Gate Hospital, 231 East 15th Street: phone + 1 604 988 3131, fax + 1 604 984 5731



Toronto
• Mount Sinai Hospital: phone + 1 416 596 4200
• St Michael's Hospital: phone + 1 416 360 4000
• Toronto General Hospital: phone + 1 416 340 4800
• Sunnybrook: phone + 1 416 480 6100



Quebec
• Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, 5415, boulevard de l'Assomption: phone + 1 514 252 3400, fax + 1 514 252 3853

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

• Firemen / police / ambulances: 911

CLIMATE

• The climate varies according to the regions. In southern Canada, winters are dry and hot and winters icy but often sunny between two snowfalls. Temperatures get mild in March-April. May, June and September are hot but nights are cool; temperatures get cold in November.
• In western Canada, the Pacific coast is mild and humid; there are abundant rains in the winter and temperatures are pleasant in summertime.
• In the Rocky mountains, the climate is cool and dry in the summer, and very sunny.
• The east of the country has a temperate climate in the summer, but the weather is cold in the winter.
• When to go: between May and September.