Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Malaria
Malaria is transmitted by mosquitos, which usually bite between dusk and dawn. The
main symptom is high spiking fevers, which may be accompanied by chills, sweats, head-
ache, body aches, weakness, vomiting or diarrhea. Severe cases may involve the central
nervous system and lead to seizures, confusion, coma and death.
Taking malaria pills is recommended for travel to rural areas along the borders with
Bolivia (lowlands of Salta and Jujuy provinces) and Paraguay (lowlands of Misiones and
Corrientes provinces).
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a life-threatening viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes in forested
areas. The illness begins with flulike symptoms, which may include fever, chills, head-
ache, muscle aches, backache, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms
usually subside in a few days, but one person in six enters a second, toxic phase charac-
terized by recurrent fever, vomiting, listlessness, jaundice, kidney failure and hemorrhage,
leading to death in up to half of the cases. There is no treatment except for supportive
care.
The yellow-fever vaccine is recommended for all travelers over the age of nine months
who visit the northeastern forest areas near the border with Brazil and Paraguay.
Insurance
A travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss, medical problems and trip cancellation or
delays is a good idea. Some policies specifically exclude dangerous activities such as
scuba diving, skiing, rock climbing and even trekking; read the fine print. Check that the
policy covers ambulances or an emergency flight home.
Keep all your paperwork in case you have to file a claim later. Paying for your flight with
a credit card often provides limited travel insurance - ask your credit card company what
it is prepared to cover. Worldwide travel insurance is available at
www.lonelyplanet.com/
travel_services
. You can buy, extend cover and claim online anytime - even if you're
already on the road.
Internet Access
Wi-fi is available at many (if not most) hotels and cafes, restaurants and airports, and it's
generally good and free. Internet cafes and
locutorios
(small telephone officers) with very
affordable internet access can be found in practically all Argentine towns and cities. To
find the @
(arroba)
symbol on keyboards, hold down the Alt key and type 64, or type
AltGr-2. You can also ask the attendant '
¿Cómo se hace la arroba?'
('How do you make
the@sign?').
