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Travel Vaccinations for Bolivia

Vaccines To Consider When Visiting Bolivia

A consultation will be completed with one of our specialist travel health nurses to assess your individual travel plans and health background before making recommendations, which can then be administered during the same appointment.

There is a risk of Malaria in Bolivia. London Travel Clinic offers a range of antimalarials to keep you protected

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Destination Information for Bolivia

The small yet varied country of Bolivia, in central South America, has a varied landscape which includes the rainforest of the Amazon Basin, the Atacama Desert and the majestic Andes Mountains. The administrative capital, La Paz, is on the Altiplano plateau in the Andes, close to Mount Illimani and South America’s largest lake, Lake Titicaca. This landlocked country is a good option for travellers who want to see the wonders of South America without covering a vast distance geographically.

Bolivia’s cities were founded by the Spanish and are as diverse as the country itself. La Paz is an intoxicating mix of traditional and modern culture, with contemporary restaurants and bars lining the winding backstreets. Sucre is the constitutional capital is more of a monument to the past, with steep cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings. Santa Cruz is the most affluent city in Bolivia, famous for its vibrant and colourful carnival.

For travellers looking for an adventure, an unspoilt and uncommercialised land to explore, Bolivia presents the perfect opportunity. With remote national parks, hidden villages and towns in the mountains and valleys and stunning mountainous landscapes, this is natural wonderland. The people are friendly and travel around the country is straightforward, and while options for tourists are present, Bolivia is not so popular that the culture and identity of the country is diluted by tourism.

Visitors to Bolivia are likely to need travel vaccinations. Your specific needs will be dependent on what you have planned for your trip and the region you’re visiting, so book a consultation and one of our nurses can use your itinerary to identify which vaccinations you require. Yellow fever may be a requirement along with tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations. This country is also high-risk for Rabies and Hepatitis B which the nurse will discuss with you.

Infections and Outbreaks frequently change from country to country and by attending our clinics you will be given the most up to date clinical and safety advice from our team of specialists. Our advice to you often includes aspects such as:

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Non Vaccinated Diseases

West Nile virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is spread by mosquitoes in many countries. There are usually no symptoms, although some people develop mild flu-like symptoms, nausea and skin rash. The virus is not contagious and should get better without any treatment.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25
Natural Mosquito Repellent - 100ml
£7.75

Zika virus

Zika virus is usually transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes are most active during the day, especially during mid-morning, then late afternoon and dusk through to evening. For most people it's a very mild infection with minor or no symptoms, but is more of a risk to pregnant woman as it could result in certain birth defects.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25
Natural Mosquito Repellent - 100ml
£7.75

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes and it causes fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Joint pain is often debilitating and can vary in duration. The disease shares some clinical signs with Dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where Dengue is common. There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems Bed Bug Barrier Bedsheet
£12.99
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25

Leishmaniasis

A parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of an infected sandfly. Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (the most common): Causes skin lesions, mainly ulcers on exposed parts of the body, causing scars and serious disability. 90% of cases are in the Americas, the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East and Asia. Visceral Leishmaniasis (the most dangerous): Causes enlarged spleen and liver, anaemia, weight loss and irregular bouts of fever. Highly endemic in the Indian Subcontinent and East Africa. Mucotaneous (the least common): Causes partial or total destruction of the mucous membranes in the nose, mouth and throat. Most cases are found in Peru, Bolivia and Brazil.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25

Trypanosomiasis

Human African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a parasitic disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tsetse fly, which is only found in rural Africa. Initial symptoms include severe headache, insomnia, enlarged lymph nodes, anaemia and rash.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25
Natural Mosquito Repellent - 100ml
£7.75

Additional Health Risks Information for Bolivia

The Zika Virus is a risk in Bolivia. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should not visit the country, and other travellers should take suitable steps to prevent mosquito bites and other exposure during and after the trip.

Public hospitals in Bolivia tend to be crowded, and are not of the same standard as UK hospitals. As a visitor to the country you will not be entitled to free medical treatment, so you should ensure your travel insurance will cover you for all necessary treatment, including repatriation in the event of an emergency. As well as making sure you have all the recommended vaccinations and treatment for preventable diseases, you should also be aware of sanitation and hygiene, especially around food and drink, to minimise your risk of developing a sickness bug or food poisoning.

Some areas of Boliva are at high altitude, including the capital, La Paz. Know the signs of altitude sickness, which include headaches and vomiting, heart palpitations and disorientation. If you are trekking, stay with an experienced guide at all times, carry a means of summoning help with you, and seek urgent medical assistance if you suspect you or a member of your party may be suffering from altitude sickness.

Most incidences of theft or crime in Boliva are opportunistic, and violence against tourists is rare. Keep your luggage with you while you’re travelling, and try not to arrive in a busy destination after dark. Use common sense when it comes to your personal safety, and you shouldn’t encounter any problems.

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