South America and South Atlantic Islands

A (H1N1) - Swine Flu

Airlines have been instructed to separate any passengers who present flu symptoms. Upon arrival at the airport, they will be assessed by a medical team. Where swine flu is suspected, passengers are held under observation or sent to a hospital for treatment. All passengers must complete a form, providing details of places visited, any flu-like symptoms they are displaying and contact details in Paraguay.

Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. There is no vaccine to prevent Dengue Fever, which has severe flu-like symptoms and can sometimes be fatal (Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever).

The most affected region is Asuncion and the Central department, although there is a risk of Dengue Fever throughout the country.  The Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare has implemented a control programme.  The Paraguayan Ministry of Health has also reported a number of deaths from DHF.

Yellow Fever

Since February 2008 there have been no reported cases of Yellow Fever in Paraguay. However, you should still be vaccinated against the disease if you intend to travel to Paraguay.  Dengue Fever and Yellow Fever are spread by mosquito bites.  You should use mosquito repellent regularly and cover up with suitable clothing.  If you do fall ill you should seek immediate medical advice.

Malaria and Leishmaniasis

There are occasional reports of outbreaks of malaria and Leishmaniasis (transmitted by insects) is also on the increase. You should bring insect repellent with you, as local brands are not usually as potent as those available in the UK.

General

Facilities for good private medical care exist but are limited to the major cities. Hospitals and GPs will expect immediate payment for medical services. The availability of certain types of medicines cannot be guaranteed. If you need a regular prescription you should bring enough with you.

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.  NHS Direct (0845 46 47) can provide you with advice on the vaccination requirements for Paraguay.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 20,000 adults aged 15 or over in Paraguay were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.6% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

For further information on endemic diseases, such as malaria, health outbreaks and vaccination requirements for Paraguay you should check the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 and the UK Department of Health website.  You should also monitor local media reports for any developments and advice.

For more general health information see Travel Health.