Travel Health: There are several health issues to consider for travel to Peru.
Those entering the country from an infected area require a yellow
fever certificate, and outbreaks of yellow fever do occur;
vaccination is recommended but is not necessary for Lima, Cuzco or
Machu Picchu. No other vaccinations are officially required but
visitors are advised to take precautions especially if planning to
travel to jungle regions. Immunisation against typhoid is sensible.
Malaria is a risk all year round in the lowland areas, except for
Lima and the coastal regions to the south, and dengue fever is on
the increase. There have been a number of incidents of rabies
transmitted by bites from vampire bats in the Madre de Dios and
Puno provinces, and near the border with Ecuador; visitors are
advised to have a course of rabies injections and not to sleep in
the open. Chagas' disease, Cholera and cases of the plague do
occur. The most common ailments for travellers are diarrhoea and
altitude sickness. Drink only bottled water, avoid drinks with ice,
and be wary of food bought from street vendors. Health care is good
in the major cities (better at private clinics than at public
hospitals) but is expensive; health insurance is essential.
Screening for HIV is inadequate and visitors should avoid blood
transfusions.
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