Information Sheet Last Updated: June 2004

Medical Information

Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in Latin America, and because of this, health indicators are poor, health services are basic and communicable diseases are a continuous threat. Finding a decent hospital may be tricky; however, there are some good private and government hospitals. As always, first impressions count; if the facility looks dirty, it probably is not a place where you would want to be treated. The most frequently recommended way to find a hospital is, upon arrival to a particular area, contact the embassy or consulate and inquire as to which clinics and hospital the diplomats themselves use. If there is not an embassy, another option is to ask some of the locals which hospital they would use if they became ill. However, it is imperative that you do this as soon as you arrive because if something does happen, you do not want to be searching for a decent place to get help when help is actually needed.

It is recommended to see your travel clinic or your regular doctor at least six weeks before departing in order to receive general advice on travel risks, malaria and vaccinations. Also, it may be a good idea to purchase travel insurance, get a dental check and always know your own blood group. If you suffer from a long term condition such as diabetes or epilepsy, make sure someone knows that or that you have a Medic Alert bracelet/necklace with this information.

Some recommended items to take are mosquito repellents, sun block, anti-malarias, Imodium, ciproxin, Pepto-Bismol, and Medic Alert.

DEET is the standard for any type of insect repellent and should be applied every 4-6 hours and even more frequently if you are sweating heavily. If you prefer to use a non-DEET product, be sure to check who tested it. Validated products are tested at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and include Mosiguard, Non-DEET Jungle formula and non-DEET Autan. If you choose to use Citronella, remember that it must be applied hourly to be effective. Another recommendation is to carry an Aspivenin kit if you develop lumps quickly or a target for insect bites. This kit will allow you to draw out some of the allergic materials providing quick relief and is available from many chemists.

Sun block is always a good recommendation to prevent skin cancer. Other preventions against skin cancer are to wear a shirt and a hat if you are going to be in the sun for extended periods of time. The pain killer Paracetomol or other similar pain killers can help with some of the symptoms of being sun burned. Remember that more then eight paractemol in a day can lead to liver failure so please be careful.

As for anti-malarias, you must seek the advice of a specialist. Many malaria drugs must be started 2-3 weeks before entering the malaria infested area to identify serious side effects especially if you have never taken any type of anti-malaria drug. If a dose is missed or vomited, seek expert advice relating to what you should do. You should bring your own medical tablets because doses may be different and false drugs may be traded abroad.

Imodium and Ciproxin (an antibiotic) are great for emergencies or when diarrheas occur at awkward times such as before a long bus ride. It will help stop the flow of diarrhea which still lets the bacteria come out, just in a more solid form. Pepto-Bismol will also relieve the symptoms of diarrhea and be advised that it may turn your stool black as well as making it more solid. None of these medications are cures for the underlying disease and if the diarrhea is serious or continues even after taking medicine, seek medial attention.

Medic Alert bracelets or necklaces should be worn by anyone with a serious medical condition such as diabetes, epilepsy, etc. There are equivalents on the market which could also be worn.

Travels involving a jungle trek will want to take more precautions. Some common sense measures are to bring a clean needle pack, clean dental pack, first aid kit, and water filtration devices.