VENEZUELA

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HEALTH IN VENEZUELA.

There are all the little nasty’s you’d expect in any tropical country here, though there really is no need to compromise your travels worrying about what you might catch. We have all been living here healthily with our families for many years without any problems. There are, however a few precautions you should take before leaving your country and you should consult your medical practitioner in good time before arriving here.

Yellow Fever
A vaccination certificate is not required as a condition of entry but vaccination is advised for all travellers over one year of age who intend to travel outside urban areas. Europe and some Caribbean islands require a vaccination certificate for visitors arriving from Venezuela.

Cholera
Visitors are advised to take necessary precautions. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.

Typhoid
Vaccination against typhoid is advised.

Malaria
Risk in the benign vivax form exists throughout the year in rural areas of Apure, Amazonas, Barinas, Bolivar, Sucre and Tachira states. The malignant falciparum form is restricted to certain jungle areas of Amazonas, Bolivar and Delta Amacuro states and is reported to be resistant to chloroquine. We don’t take any medication against Malaria as the long term side effects are highly dangerous, furthermore we seldom hear of problems with Maleria, though if you want to be ultra-safe then you should take necessary precautions before leaving your country.

Food & Drink
Mains water is not drinkable and should always be boiled or filtered. Bottled water is available everywhere and is relatively cheap. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are safe to eat.

Health care
The best-equipped hospitals are in the state capitals. Emergency treatment is free and most hospitals have intensive care units. However, private hospitals are of a much higher standard, and although health insurance is not mandatory it is recommended.