Are you going to South America soon and wondering about vaccinations? In addition to making sure you are up to date with routine vaccinations, there are other international diseases to be treated; they are Yellow Fever, Malaria, Hepatitis A, B, and Typhoid.
Use this guide to help you decide on recommended and mandatory travel vaccinations before you take your flight.
First, we will point out the use of vaccines / boosters you should have up to date anyway, before you travel. You must renew your Rabies, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, and flu vaccinations.
These are International Travel Care:
Yellow Fever: The yellow fever virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The yellow fever virus is a threat in some tropical regions of South America such as northern Argentina. For this reason, the International Health Organization requires the Yellow Fever Vaccine for these areas. The CDC recommends this vaccine for all travelers over 9 months of age who travel to regions east of the Andes Mountains. You can see the risk on their website here. You can also ask your doctor which areas have this requirement. See your health care provider at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.
Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is one of the most common infections acquired during travel, with many cases resulting from travel to Mexico, Central and South America. The CDC says that hepatitis can be transmitted through direct person-to-person contact; by exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shells contaminated by sewage; or from fruits, or vegetables, or other uncooked foods, and contaminated during harvest or subsequent handling. It is recommended that travelers to those countries obtain their Hepatitis vaccines.
Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) which is transmitted through contact with blood or blood-derived fluids. Although Hepatitis B infections are common in southern South America (eg Chile, Argentina), the risks are higher in upper South America (eg Brazil, Peru). If you are going to those countries, it is recommended that you get the Hepatitis B vaccine before you travel. Depending on which Hepatitis B vaccine you receive, it takes 6 to 12 months to complete the administration dose.
Typhoid fever: Typhoid fever is an acute, febrile disease caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi. The CDC says Typhoid is most commonly acquired through the consumption of water or food that has been contaminated by acutely contaminated feces or an individual convalescing or chronically was asymptomatic. South Asia carries the highest risk, but the South American route is also a risk. Be safe and get vaccinated. See your doctor at least 2 weeks before your trip for this vaccine.
rabies: A rabies vaccine is recommended for any traveler who will be abroad, in rural areas, who they can come into contact with infected animals. This vaccine should be done before your month time travelers. If you are in rural South America where there will be street dogs around, get the vaccine.
Malaria: Malaria is caused by the bite of a parasitic mosquito. See the CDC Malaria chart. If you want to go to higher risk areas, it is highly recommended that you take an anti-malarial prescription. Alternatively, you can try to prevent mosquito bites (and Malaria) bug spray or long film clothing. You must buy a prescription before you leave. You will take all your day trips.
Source:
“Illnesses Related to Travel”, Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
