Bolivia

Health & safety

Before you go

Prevention is the key to staying healthy while abroad. Travelers who receive the recommended vaccines and follow common-sense precautions usually come away with nothing more than a little diarrhea.

Since most vaccines don’t produce immunity until at least two weeks after they’re given, visit a physician four to eight weeks before departure. Ask your doctor for an Inter­national Certificate of Vaccination, containing a list of your vaccinations. This is mandatory for countries, such as Brazil, Bolivia and Venezuela, that require proof of yellow fever vaccination on entry, but it’s a good idea to carry it wherever you travel.

Bring medications in their original containers, clearly labeled, and a signed, dated letter from your physician describing all medical conditions and medications. If carrying syringes or needles, carry a physician’s letter documenting their medical necessity.

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Insurance

If your health insurance does not cover you for medical expenses abroad, consider supplemental insurance. Check the Bookings & Services section of the Lonely Planet website (www.lonelyplanet.com/travel_services) for more information. Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures. Most private-practice providers in Bolivia expect cash payment and should provide receipts for your insurance company claims and reimbursement. Credit cards are usually not accepted for medical services.

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Medical checklist

antibiotics

antidiarrheal drugs (eg loperamide)

acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin

anti-inflammatory drugs (eg ibuprofen)

antihistamines (for hay fever and allergic reactions)

antibacterial ointment (eg Bactroban) for cuts and abrasions

steroid cream or cortisone (for poison ivy and other allergic rashes)

bandages, gauze, gauze rolls

adhesive or paper tape

scissors, safety pins, tweezers

thermometer

pocket knife

DEET-containing insect repellent for the skin

permethrin-containing insect spray for clothing, tents and bed nets

sun block

oral rehydration salts

iodine tablets (for water purification)

syringes and sterile needles

acetazolamide (Diamox) for altitude sickness

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Online resources

There is a wealth of travel health advice on the internet. For further information, the Lonely Planet website (www.lonelyplanet.com) is a good place to start. The World Health Organization (www.who.int/ith) annually publishes International Travel and Health, which is revised annually and is available online at no cost. Another website of general interest is MD Travel Health (www.mdtravelhealth.com), which provides complete travel health recommendations for every country and is updated daily.

Consult your government’s travel health website before departure:

Australia (www.dfat.gov.au/travel)

Canada (www.hc-sc.gc.ca/english/index.html)

UK (www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice)

US (www.cdc.gov/travel)

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Further reading

For further information see Healthy Travel Central & South America, also from Lonely Planet. If you are traveling with children, Lonely Planet’s Travel with Children might well be useful. The ABC of Healthy Travel, by E Walker et al, is another valuable ­resource.

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Dangers & annoyances

Sadly, Bolivia no longer lives up to its reputation as one of the safest South American countries for travelers. Crime against tourists is on the increase, especially in La Paz and, to a lesser extent, Cochabamba, Copacabana and Oruro (especially during festival times). Scams are commonplace and fake police, false tourist police and ‘helpful’ tourists are on the rise. Be aware, too, of circulating counterfeit banknotes.

There is a strong tradition of social protest in Bolivia: demonstrations are a regular occurrence and this can affect travelers. While generally peaceful, in the past few years these have been more threatening in nature at times: agitated protestors throw stones and rocks and police occasionally use force and tear gas to disperse crowds. Bloqueos (roadblocks) and strikes by transportation workers often lead to long delays. Be careful using taxis during transportation strikes –­ you may be at the receiving end of a rock which people pelt at those who are not in sympathy with them.

The rainy season means flooding, landslides and road washouts, which in turn means more delays. Getting stuck overnight behind a landslide can happen; you’ll be a happier camper with ample food, drink and warm clothes on hand.

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In transit

Deep vein thrombosis

Blood clots may form in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) during plane flights, chiefly because of prolonged immobility. The longer the flight, the greater the risk. Though most blood clots are reabsorbed uneventfully, some may break off and travel through the blood vessels to the lungs, where they could cause life-threatening complications.

The chief symptom of deep vein thrombosis is swelling or pain of the foot, ankle or calf, usually but not always on just one side. When a blood clot travels to the lungs, it may cause chest pain and difficulty breathing. Travelers with any of these symptoms should immediately seek medical attention.

To prevent deep vein thrombosis on long flights, walk about the cabin, perform isometric compressions of the leg muscles (ie contract the leg muscles while sitting), drink plenty of fluids, and avoid alcohol and tobacco.

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Jet lag & motion sickness

Jet lag is common when crossing more than five time zones, resulting in insomnia, fatigue, malaise or nausea. To avoid jet lag try drinking plenty of fluids (nonalcoholic) and eating light meals. On arrival get exposure to natural sunlight and readjust your schedule (for meals, sleep, etc) as soon as possible.

Antihistamines such as dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Antivert, Bonine) are usually the first choice for treating motion sickness. Their main side effect is drowsiness. A herbal alternative is ginger.

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