South America (tropic)

Bolivia

Bolivia is a developing country with a growing economy. Tourist facilities are adequate, but they vary greatly in quality. The capital is La Paz.

CRIMe: Street crime, such as pick-pocketing and theft from parked vehicles, happens with some frequency in Bolivia. Theft of cars, particularly late-model four-wheel-drive vehicles, is relatively common. Hijacking of vehicles has been known to occur, and travelers should take appropriate precautions to avoid being victimized.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care in large cities is adequate for most purposes, but it is of varying quality. Medical facilities, even in La Paz, are not adequate to handle serious medical conditions, such as cardiac problems.

Arthropodborne diseases:

• Malaria below 2500 m in Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz and Tarija, Lacareja and Rurenabaque Provinces and Yungas in La Paz Department
• Chagas disease
• Plague
• Yellow fever in the forests

We recommend to prevent Arthropodborne diseases:

• Usage of long-sleeved shirt and long pants to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects
• Usage of insect repellent containing DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide), in 30%–35% strength for adults and 6%–10% for children. Unless you are staying in air-conditioned or well-screened housing
• Usage of a bed net impregnated with the insecticide permethrin.
• Staying and sleeping in air-conditioned houses

Water- and foodborne diseases:

• Travellers diarrhoea
• Hepatitis A

Other diseases:

• Hepatitis B

Vaccinations recommended:

• Yellow fever if visiting Department of Beni, Cochabamba and San Cruz is planned
• Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin
• Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
• Typhoid fever - vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region.
• Rabies - if exposed to wild or domestic animals
• A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within th last 10 years.

Stay healthy:

• Wash hands often with soap and water.
• Drink only boiled water, or water and carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans
• Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.
• Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it
• Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents (applied sparingly at 4-hour intervals) and permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn.
• Prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot
• Do not travel at night
• Trafic accidents are frequent, be careful
• Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
• Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.
• Use chloroquine as malaria prophylaxis except in north where mefloquine is recommended (chloroquine resistance).

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Updated 17-Jul-2003 • İtraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster

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