Travel Vaccinations: South America

Are you traveling to South America soon and are wondering about vaccinations? In addition to making sure you're up to date on routine vaccines, there are other international diseases of concern; they are Yellow Fever, Malaria, Hepatitis A and B, and Typhoid.

Use this guide to help you decide on recommended and mandatory travel vaccinations before you take flight.

First let's list the routine vaccines / boosters you should have up to date anyway, before traveling. You should have updated Rabies, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, and Flu vaccinations.

The following are International Concerns for Travelers:

Yellow Fever: Yellow fever is a virus transmitted to humans through the infected mosquito bites. Yellow fever virus is a threat in some tropical South American regions like northern Argentina. That is why International Health Regulations REQUIRES a Yellow Fever Vaccine for those areas. The CDC recommends this vaccine for all travelers over 9 months of age who are traveling to areas east of the Andes Mountains. You can see the risk map 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 from travel to Mexico, Central and South Americas. The CDC says that Hepatitis A transmission can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested from sewage-contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling. It is recommended that travelers to those countries get their Hepatitis vaccines.

Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) which is transmitted through activities involving contact with blood or blood-derived fluids. Although Hepatitis B infections remain low in southern South America (Chile, Argentina, for example), risks are higher in upper South America (Brazil, Peru, for example). If you're going to be traveling in those regions, it's recommended that you get a Hepatitis B vaccine before traveling. Depending on which Hepatitis B vaccine you get, it may take 6 to 12 months to complete the dose administration.

Typhoid Fever: Typhoid Fever is an acute, life-threatening febrile illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi. The CDC says that Typhoid is most often acquired through consumption of water or food that have been contaminated by feces of an acutely infected or convalescent individual or a chronic asymptomatic carrier. South Asia carries the highest risk but South American travel is also a risk nonetheless. Be on the safe side and get a vaccination. See your doctor at least 2 weeks before travel for this vaccine.

Rabies: A Rabies vaccine is recommended for any traveler who will be outdoors, in rural areas, who may come in contact with infected animals. This vaccine needs to be done a month ahead of your travel time. If you're in rural areas of South America where street dogs will be around, get the vaccine.

Malaria: You get Malaria from the bite of a mosquito infected with the parasite.Take a look at the CDC's Malaria map. If you'll be traveling to one of the higher risk areas, it's highly recommended that you take the anti-Malaria prescription. Otherwise you can try to prevent mosquito bites (and Malaria) with bug spray or long skin-covering clothes. You need to buy your prescription before you leave. You'll be taking them every day of your trip.

Source:

"Diseases Related to Travel", Center for Disease Control and Prevention.