Bolivia Travel: Essential Medicines To Pack

If you're planning a trip to Bolivia, it's important to be aware of the health risks and take the necessary precautions. Bolivia is known for its high altitudes, tropical diseases, and varying standards of medical care. Here's a quick overview of what you should know and what to take with you when travelling to Bolivia.

First, it's recommended that you consult with a travel clinic or your doctor to get advice on vaccinations and medications specific to your needs and travel plans. Some standard vaccinations that are recommended for travellers to Bolivia include hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever. It's also important to make sure your polio, tetanus, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), and COVID-19 vaccinations are up to date. Additionally, anti-malaria tablets are advised if you'll be visiting lowland regions of Bolivia, especially the Amazon.

When packing your medications, ensure you have adequate supplies of any prescription drugs you regularly take. Keep them in their original containers and bring copies of the corresponding prescriptions. A letter from your doctor listing your medications and explaining their purpose can also be helpful. This is especially important if your medication includes controlled substances.

To protect yourself from insect-borne illnesses like dengue fever, malaria, and yellow fever, use insect repellent with at least 35% DEET content. Sleep in a screened room or under mosquito netting if possible.

Altitude sickness is a common issue in Bolivia, so it's crucial to ascend slowly and allow yourself time to acclimatize. Drinking coca tea or taking prescription medication like acetazolamide (Diamox) can help with this.

Food and water precautions are also essential. Avoid tap water and opt for boiled or bottled water instead. Be cautious when eating out, avoiding raw or undercooked food, and be wary of street food.

Lastly, ensure you have adequate travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and emergency medical care. The quality of medical facilities varies across Bolivia, with larger cities generally offering better care.

Vaccinations

It is recommended that visitors to Bolivia have immunisations for hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever. It is also important to ensure that polio and tetanus vaccinations and boosters are up to date. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry to Bolivia and when travelling overland to Brazil from Bolivia. If you do not have the certificate, you will need to get an inoculation upon arrival.

If you are spending time in remote areas or in close contact with animals, it is worth getting a rabies vaccination. Dogs and bats infected with rabies are commonly found in Bolivia. While rabies vaccines are typically available throughout the country, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

There is evidence of chikungunya virus transmission in Bolivia, so a chikungunya vaccination may be considered for travellers who are 65 years or older, especially those with underlying medical conditions, and those who plan to stay in the country for at least two weeks or a cumulative period of six months or more.

For unvaccinated travellers younger than 60 years old, a hepatitis A vaccination is recommended. Unvaccinated travellers who are 60 years and older may get vaccinated before travelling to Bolivia.

Additionally, all eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.

Insect-borne diseases

Other insect-borne diseases in Bolivia include malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever. Malaria and dengue fever are spread by mosquitoes and have no vaccination, so insect repellent and other precautions are essential. Yellow fever is also spread by mosquitoes, and while there is a vaccination, it is necessary to get vaccinated before travelling to the country.

In addition to these, there is also a risk of the Zika virus, which is also spread by mosquitoes. While the virus usually only causes mild symptoms, it can cause birth defects, so pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant should be especially cautious.

Altitude sickness

The severity of altitude sickness varies from person to person, but it can be life-threatening if not treated properly. Symptoms include headache, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, weakness, and dizziness. In more severe cases, you may experience High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACO or HACE), where the brain swells with fluid, or High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPO or HAPE), where fluids build up in the lungs.

To prevent altitude sickness, it is recommended that you ascend at a moderate rate to give your body time to adjust to the change in altitude. You can also try chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea, a traditional remedy for altitude sickness. Additionally, it is important to stay hydrated, eat carb-rich meals, and avoid overexerting yourself. If you are flying into Bolivia, it is best to arrive at a lower altitude city like Santa Cruz De La Sierra and then travel to your destination by bus.

If you do experience altitude sickness, the best course of treatment is to descend to a lower elevation. In Bolivia, this may not always be possible, so it is recommended that you rest, limit your activity, and drink plenty of fluids. Medications such as Acetazolamide (Diamox) can also help to alleviate symptoms, but it is important to consult a doctor before taking any medication.

Food and water precautions

• Avoid drinking tap water. Instead, opt for bottled water, both mineral and purified varieties, which are widely available throughout the country. Check the seals on the bottles to ensure they are intact.
• Avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads, and unpasteurized milk and cheese.
• Be cautious of food bought from street stalls.
• Avoid food that has been left out where flies can access it.
• Drink boiled water or use water purification tablets if you are camping or visiting remote areas.
• Wash your hands often, especially before eating. Use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are unavailable.
• Avoid ice in drinks, as it may be made from unpurified water.
• If you have access to a kitchen, wash and disinfect food preparation areas and utensils with soap and purified water.
• If you develop diarrhoea, drink plenty of liquids (but avoid alcohol and caffeine). Oral rehydration salts can also help replace lost salts.
• If your diarrhoea is accompanied by a high fever, abdominal pain, or blood or mucus in your stool, seek medical advice.

First-aid kit essentials

When travelling to Bolivia, it is important to be prepared for any health issues that may arise. Here is a list of first-aid kit essentials to help you stay safe during your trip:

Medications

• Any prescription medications you regularly use. Ensure you have an adequate supply and keep them in their original containers.
• Over-the-counter medications for pain and fever, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen.
• Anti-diarrhoea medication, such as loperamide (Imodium).
• Oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.
• Motion sickness medication.
• Mild sedatives or other sleep aids.
• Altitude sickness medication, such as acetazolamide (Diamox).
• Anti-malaria tablets if you plan to visit lowland regions of Bolivia.
• Ciprofloxacin and tinidazole for bacterial infections.

Other Essentials

• Water purification tablets or iodine tincture to purify drinking water.
• Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF 15 or greater) and UVA/UVB protection.
• Lip balm with sun protection.
• Insect repellent with at least 35% DEET content to protect against insect-borne diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever.
• Antifungal and antibacterial ointments for any skin infections.
• Antiseptic wound cleanser for cleaning cuts and scrapes.
• Bandages, gauze, and adhesive tape for covering wounds.
• Moleskin or molefoam for blisters.
• Elastic/compression bandages for sprains and strains.
• Scissors and safety pins.
• Cotton swabs (Q-Tips) for cleaning wounds or applying ointments.
• Hand sanitiser or antibacterial wipes containing at least 60% alcohol to maintain hand hygiene.
• A medical alert bracelet or necklace, especially if you have any allergies or medical conditions.

Remember to also pack any other items specific to your health needs and consult your doctor for personalised advice.

Frequently asked questions