Catching Yellow Fever or Malaria on a Caribbean Cruise???

We have traveled extensively with Oceania Cruises in various regions of the world, but today we received our first Important Notification – General Health Information for an upcoming Caribbean cruise with warnings concerning catching Yellow Fever or Malaria.  Here’s what it said:

Dear Valued Guests and Travel Advisors,

As the health and welfare of our guests and crew are paramount, we would like to remind you of the following health requirements for your upcoming voyage. Your itinerary may include ports in one or more areas in the countries listed below.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Yellow Fever Inoculation and Malaria Prophylaxis are recommended for guests visiting the following countries:

Yellow Fever Inoculation is mandatory for guests visiting the following countries:

Togo: Children under the age of nine and expectant mothers are exempt.

Malaria Prophylaxis is recommended for guests who are traveling on itineraries visiting ports of call in any of the following countries:

We encourage concerned guests to use this Health Notice as a reminder to consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site and more importantly, their physician to make the best decision based on their overall health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website is: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Yellow Fever Vaccine and Malaria Prophylaxis information by Country:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2020/preparing-international-travelers/yellow-fever-vaccine-and-malaria-prophylaxis-information-by-country

Oceania Cruises does not require proof of inoculation, nor will deny guests embarkation.

Please note, however, the countries the vessel calls to or the port agent(s) at the pier may require proof of vaccination(s) before allowing a guest to go ashore.

For guests unable to take the vaccine(s) listed as required by the CDC, please bring a letter from your physician to turn in should it be requested.

If you have any questions, please contact Oceania Cruises or your travel advisor for assistance.

Warmest regards,

Global Guest Services

I’m guessing this is a technical glitch with Oceania Cruises as it doesn’t seem to apply to our current itinerary as our previously scheduled ports in Colombia have been cancelled and substituted with a Panama City embarkation and Panama Canal daytime transit.  I wrote about the changes here – Major Change for Our Upcoming Cruise – What Would You Do?

This is our current itinerary after the changes:

This notification has me thinking.  I’d never considered needing Malaria Prophylaxis medication prior to visiting Mexico or Columbia earlier this year, despite both countries being on the list.

Have any of you considered the risk of contracting Malaria or Yellow Fever on a Caribbean cruise??? – Michael