Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
IN BOLIVIA
Availability & Cost of Healthcare
Good medical care is available in the larger cities, but may be difficult to find in rural
areas. Many doctors and hospitals expect payment in cash, regardless of whether you have
travel health insurance. See the Information section of each city or town for recommended
emergency and medical services. Note that a taxi may get you to the emergency room
faster than an ambulance.
If you develop a life- threatening medical problem, you'll probably want to be evacuated
to a country with state-of-the-art medical care. Since this may cost tens of thousands of dol-
lars, be sure the insurance covers this before you depart.
Bolivian pharmacies offer most of the medications available in other countries. In gener-
al it's safer to buy pharmaceuticals made by international manufacturers rather than local
companies; buy the brand name prescribed by your doctor, not the generic-brand drugs that
may be offered at lower prices. These medications may be out of date or have no quality
control from the manufacturer.
Infectious Diseases
Cholera
Cholera is an intestinal infection acquired through ingestion of contaminated food or water.
The main symptom is profuse, watery diarrhea, which may be so severe that it causes life-
threatening dehydration. The key treatment is drinking an oral rehydration solution. Antibi-
otics are also given, usually tetracycline or doxycycline, though quinolone antibiotics such
as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin are also effective.
Cholera sometimes occurs in Bolivia, but it's rare among travelers. A cholera vaccine is
no longer required. There are effective vaccines, but they're not available in many coun-
tries and are only recommended for those at particularly high risk.
Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is a viral infection found throughout South America. Dengue is transmitted
by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite preferentially during the daytime and are usually found
