Information Sheet Last Updated: June 2004
Medical Information
Chile is an incredibly safe country for travel. No vaccinations are required to enter Chile, however if you plan to travel to other South American countries you should consult your doctor, or a travel clinic for a list of vaccinations before you depart. Tropical diseases, poisonous snakes and insects and other commonly perceived dangers of Latin American travel are not present here. Nearly every town has a rural hospital post of some sort or another. Definitive care is usually only available in major towns and cities. The finest hospitals are private clinics like the Clínica Alemana and the Clínica Indisa in Santiago.
Tap water throughout Chile is generally safe to drink, though visitors should use caution in rural areas and in the desert north. Fruits and vegetables which are off limits in most other Latin American countries may be safely consumed in Chile given that they are properly washed prior to consumption. Shellfish are left up to your own personal judgment. The greatest risk is of red tide which is a toxic algae bloom. Markets and restaurants are carefully monitored so you only need to be seriously concerned about red tide if you plan on collecting your own shellfish. Travelers’ diarrhea is fairly common due to the changes in everyday microbes present in all food. Generally, this condition passes quickly and the best treatment is to drink plenty of liquids and eat simple foods. Random cases of cholera are still reported so if your problem persists, seek medical attention.
The pan-American Hantavirus is a dangerous but easily avoided concern. It is carried by long-tailed rats, and is usually only a concern in rural areas in the south. The best advice is to avoid probable rat habitat such as downed logs, dense underbrush, and strewn rubbish. Use a sealed, floored tent, and do not leave food or unwashed dishes about. Abandoned cabins and shacks are especially dangerous and should be aired out for several hours before using, especially if you notice rat feces inside. Fresh air and sunlight generally eliminate the virus, but if you are in doubt, you can wipe down surfaces with a chlorine solution.
Other health concerns for travelers include altitude sickness, dehydration, sun stroke and hypothermia. These problems are quite easily avoidable by taking the proper measures such as drinking plenty of water, proper clothing, and sun block. If you begin to feel the affects of altitude sickness, decrease your altitude immediately and drink plenty of water.