Venezuela is home to
just about every scary disease on the planet.
You may encounter
rabies-infected bats, yellow fever, cholera, malaria, Chagas disease, water
borne parasites, typhoid, dengue fever and all of the hepatitis family.
So it is highly
recommended you seek appropriate medical advice on vaccinations and other necessary
precautions!
Dangerous Diseases
In early 2011 there was
an outbreak of the AH1N1 flu in Merida State, but since then cases have been
confirmed in most other states, including in Caracas.
Dengue Fever is endemic
to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year, and it is
certainly present in Venezuela’s western and south-western states. The government has
declared a dengue epidemic in all Venezuelan states. Almost 50,000 people
were infected in 2010 – more than double 2009.
Malaria occurs year-round in some areas of Venezuela, with the highest
risk in rural areas of the States of Apure, Amazonas, Barinas, Bolivar
(including the Angel Falls), Delta, Amacuro, Monagas, Sucre and Tachira. Chloroquine and sulfoxidine-resistant strains of malaria have been
reported.
To ward off both Dengue
fever and malaria travellers are advised to take precautions against being
bitten by mosquitoes and use insect repellent at all times. It is also
advisable to wear clothing that properly covers the body.
In 2010, the Venezuelan
Health Ministry announced a rise of Chagas (Trypanosomiasis) disease cases in
central Caracas. However Chagas disease
occurs mostly in the rural states of Trujillo, Lara, Portuguesa, and Barinas.
Leishmaniasis, another
insect-borne parasitic disease, is present in some areas. Insect precautions are
recommended.
Schistosomiasis, a
water-borne parasite that penetrates intact skin, is present in some areas. As
is the water borne disease bilharzia. Avoid contact with fresh water in pools,
streams, and lakes.
There are also a range
of food borne diseases present in Venezuela so beware of any food or drink that
is suspect. If in doubt – don’t consume it!
There have also been
cases of yellow fever in a number of different states of Venezuela. Many
countries in the region, such as Brazil, require those arriving from Venezuela
to have proof of a yellow fever vaccination.
As well as yellow fever there are also a range of other diseases rarely
found in the first world including HIV/AIDS, typhoid, hepatitis, tuberculosis,
Venezuelan haemorrhagic fever, measles, mumps, cholera, hepatitis A, hepititas
B, hepititas D and rubella. And there are regular outbreaks of all of them.
There have been reports
of rabies in bats, in particular in the Amazonas region of Venezuela. If you
are travelling to this area and are planning on sleeping or camping outside, it
would be advisable to ensure you have the necessary vaccinations before
travelling.
Food, Water & Hospitals
Tap water is considered unsafe to drink. You should drink oonly boiled
or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks, or anything which has been freshly
rinsed, like salads.
You should also avoid raw or undercooked food.
The standard of public medical facilities in major cities is limited and
is very limited in rural areas. Basic medical supplies and pharmaceuticals are
often in short supply. You may need to carry some of your own basic medical
equipment, including syringes.
Good private hospitals and clinics can be found in Caracas and other
major cities. Such facilities are very expensive and will usually request
up-front cash payment. Medical emergencies may require evacuation to Caracas or
to a third country. Medical evacuation costs are considerable.
For keen scuba divers it is important to note Hyperbaric chambers are
located at Unidad de Buceo PDVSA in Lagunillas Norte; Hospital Naval Raul
Perdomo in Ctia La Mar; Compania Oriente Marine Group in Puerto La Cruz; and
Venezuela Divers in Ciudad Ojeda.
What To Do
Obviously it is extremely important you have a full range of vaccinations before leaving home and seek medical attention should you have a fever or suffer from diarrhoea.
As you can see Venezuela is a country with an enormous range of highly
destructive diseases. You should be fully prepared before you venture there.
Related Articles
Weather and natural hazards in Venezuela
Travel in Venezuela
Local laws & customs
Venezuela water and disease guide
Crime in Venezuela
Turbulent, troubled Venezuela
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