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Health in Argentina: An Overview
Reported May 12, 2011
Vaccinations: No vaccinations are required to visit Argentina, however,
there is a slight risk of contracting cholera, hepatitis B, and Dengue
in the more remote regions of the country. An anti-malaria vaccine is
recommended if you plan on visiting rural areas near the borders with
Bolivia and Paraguay.
Water: The water in Argentina is drinkable, therefore consuming water
shouldn't be a problem. Although be careful when leaving the larger
cities and entering less populated areas. It is safer and better for you
to drink bottled water.
Food: Argentina Health and Food as in other countries, the healthiness or
cleanliness of the food in Argentina depends on where you go to consume
it. In general there are no serious problems with hygiene, nevertheless
in the northern region of Argentina on the border with Bolivia, they are
accustomed to successive outbreaks of cholera. Avoid consuming seafood
and raw vegetables in these areas.
Illness:
Malaria: It is a contagious illness caused by a protozoan parasite in
the red blood cells, called plasmodium or Laveran Hematozoon,
transmitted by the anopheles mosquito which dwells in humid, marshy
areas. The sickness causes fever at regular intervals, following a
rhythmic pattern (tertian or quartan fever), anemia, swelling of the
spleen, and a general alteration of the health. The base treatment
includes quinine and synthetic products. Theoretically, in Argentina,
the illness is confined to the tropical areas near the borders with
Bolivia and Paraguay, as well as some areas of Corrientes and Del Chaco.
Chagas Disease: It is a sickness transmitted by a vector insect, the
"kissing bug" (triatomine). This insect carries a microbe in it's blood
that acts as a parasite moving in a cyclic pattern between the blood and
the cells of the organism. The "kissing bug" only feeds on human and
animal blood, and it transmits the microbe through its fecal waste,
which is eliminated immediately after stinging. The person affected by
the Chagas disease will have acquired a chronic illness that may cause
death.
Dengue Fever: The only way to avoid Dengue is by preventing mosquito
bites, which is how the illness is transmitted. It produces fever,
headaches and muscle pains and later produces a skin rash all over the
body. This illness does not have serious complications, however it can
take up to one month to recuperate.
Cholera: The vaccine against cholera does not result to be very
effective and the bacteria that produces this illness is water borne,
therefore you should take precautions when you eat and drink. Some
outbreaks of this illness have appeared in northern Argentina near the
border with Bolivia, so be careful if visiting this region. Avoid raw
foods like fish, seafood, and vegetables. Symptoms of this disease
include continuous and liquid diarrhea, vomiting, cramps and weakness.
If you contract Cholera, go directly to the nearest hospital and try to
avoid dehydration.
Altitude sickness or Puna: In the high regions of Argentina that surpass
2,500 meters (8,200 ft.) above sea level, the altitude can have serious
effects on the body. The lack of oxygen and atmospheric pressure may
cause headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, and physical weakness in
some people. The body should adapt itself to the oxygen shortage after a
few days, although if the discomfort continues or gets worse (headache
not yielding to aspirin, repeated vomiting, staggering and confusion),
you must descend in altitude to prevent the development of acute
mountain sickness which can be fatal. It is best to avoid smoking and
alcohol, and to drink lots of water and to avoid excessive exercise.
Keep this in mind if you wish to take the journey of De las Nubes Train
or cross any borders.
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