Health Advice for Argentina

Essential health advice for those holidaying in Argentina and for expatriates thinking about moving to live in Argentina

January 2009 saw the Dakar rally running for the first time through Argentina.  Following on from continuing security issues in Africa, the decision was taken by the organisers to search for other countries that offered the same stunning scenery and arduous routes that the rally is world famous for.

Argentina and Chile were chosen as the hosts for the first Dakar rally outside of Africa.  With a televised audience of around 150 million people in 180 countries, this may well have been the first experience for many to view the beauty of Argentina, from Andes Mountain backed vineyards to tropical forests, the majestic Iguazu Falls to fjords and glaciers. 

Travel in Argentina, the 8th largest country in the world, offers a land of contrasts, between modern and old, first world and third world, European and native Indian - and climate-wise from the tropics of Missiones to the closest city to the Antarctic, Ushuaia.  So if you’re planning to travel in Argentina, what health precautions do you need to take – here is our health advice for Argentina?

As with all overseas travel you should seek travel advice from your doctor or a travel health clinic 4-6 weeks in advance of your trip, but current guidelines recommend that before you get on your flight to Argentina you’re up to date with your tetanus-diphtheria shots as well as your measles mumps and rubella vaccinations.  Hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended for all travellers to Argentina too, as are typhoid vaccinations, especially if you’re planning to eat and drink outside of the main hotels and restaurants. 

If your trip entails a visit to the famous Iguazu Falls or to any of the northern provinces you’re also going to need a yellow fever vaccination.  This will need to be carried out at an approved yellow fever vaccination clinic so that you’ll receive an International Certificate of Vaccination.  Rabies isn’t prevalent in the country and unless you’re working with animals, living in Argentina for extended periods in high-risk areas, or working with bats which are the primary transmitter of rabies in Argentina, you won’t need vaccination.

Malaria isn’t a big problem for those taking holidays in Argentina, and if you’re not heading to the north of the country there are no requirements to take anti malarial drugs.  Problem areas for malaria are Salta, Jujuy, Missiones and Corrientes in the tropical north along the borders with Bolivia and Paraguay.

As with most countries, the prime travel ailment will be travellers’ diarrhoea.  So, make sure food is well prepared and take care with drinking water.  Whilst water in many areas in Argentina is drinkable from the tap it may still cause an upset stomach so it’s best to drink bottled water during your trip.  Also make sure you’re up to speed with personal hygiene.  But at least if you’re travelling to the province of Mendoza to sample some of Argentina’s world class wine you won’t be short of a cork or two!