Health & Medical Safety in Guam

Guam has several medical facilities suitable for emergency and routine care.

• Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH): the main civilian hospital in Tamuning with a 24-hour emergency room. Call: (671) 647-2552.
• Naval Hospital Guam (Agana Heights): primarily serves military personnel; can treat civilians in emergencies.
• Urgent care clinics: American Medical Center (Tamuning), Doc in a Box, and several village clinics for non-emergency care.
• Pharmacies: found in major supermarkets (Payless, Cost-U-Less) and independent pharmacies in Tumon and Tamuning.
• Medical costs in Guam follow US pricing — expensive without insurance. Ensure your travel insurance covers medical treatment.
• For dental emergencies: several dental clinics operate in Tamuning and Hagåtña.

• Tap water in Guam is treated by Guam Waterworks Authority (GWA) and is generally safe to drink.
• After a typhoon or major storm: do not drink tap water until GWA issues a formal safe-water notice.
• Food at licensed restaurants is generally safe; check hygiene standards at street vendors and pop-up events.
• Raw seafood (sashimi, ceviche): generally safe at reputable restaurants; exercise caution at less-established venues.
• Refrigeration: food safety depends on continuous refrigeration — be cautious with food left out in the tropical heat.

• Dengue fever is present in Guam — transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which are active primarily at dawn and dusk.
• Use DEET or picaridin-based insect repellent on all exposed skin, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Wear long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito activity hours (dawn and dusk).
• Eliminate standing water around your accommodation — mosquitoes breed in small amounts of stagnant water.
• Dengue symptoms: sudden high fever, severe headache, eye pain, joint/muscle pain, rash (3–14 days after bite). See a doctor immediately.
• Zika virus: risk is very low in Guam, but pregnant travelers should consult a doctor before visiting.

• Guam's high humidity (70–90%) makes heat stress more severe than in dry climates at the same temperature.
• Take regular breaks in air-conditioned spaces during long outdoor activity days.
• Monitor elderly travelers and young children closely — they are most vulnerable to heat-related illness.
• Prickly heat (heat rash) is common — wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing and shower frequently.

• No vaccines are required to enter Guam from any country.
• Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date: MMR, Tdap, flu, hepatitis A/B, and COVID-19.
• Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic 4–6 weeks before departure.
• If you have a chronic condition, carry sufficient medication for your full trip plus extra.
• Prescription medications: bring a copy of your prescription in case of customs questions.