Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Malaria
Malaria is transmitted by mosquito bites, usually between dusk and dawn. High spiking
fevers may be accompanied by chills, sweats, headache, body aches, weakness, vomiting
or diarrhea. Severe cases may lead to seizures, confusion, coma and death.
Taking malaria pills is strongly recommended for all areas in Peru except Lima and its
vicinity, the coastal areas south of Lima, and the highland areas (including around Cuzco,
Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and Arequipa). Most cases in Peru occur in Loreto in the
country's northeast, where transmission has reached epidemic levels.
Typhoid Fever
Caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated by Salmonella typhi, fever occurs in
virtually all cases. Other symptoms may include headache, malaise, muscle aches, dizzi-
ness, loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal pain. Either diarrhea or constipation may oc-
cur. Possible complications include intestinal perforation or bleeding, confusion, delirium
or, rarely, coma.
The vaccine is usually given orally, but is also available as an injection. The treatment
drug is usually a quinolone antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or levofloxacin (Leva-
quin).
Yellow Fever
A life-threatening viral infection, yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes in forested
areas. Flu-like symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, backache,
loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. They usually subside in a few days, but one person
in six enters a second, toxic phase characterized by recurrent fever, vomiting, listlessness,
jaundice, kidney failure and hemorrhage which can lead to death. There is no treatment
except for supportive care.
Yellow-fever vaccine is strongly recommended for all those who visit any jungle areas
of Peru at altitudes less than 2300m (7546ft). Most cases occur in the departments in the
central jungle. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before any potential exposure; it remains
effective for about 10 years.
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