Argentina
The standard of dental care is inconsistent in Argentina and should therefore be avoided except in the larger cities
Pharmacies will stock many international medications.
Blood supplies outside of Buenos Aires should be considered as unsafe
Medical care is generally good, but it varies in quality outside major cities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary.
Although tap water is generally safe in Buenos Aires, in other areas of the country drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood or rare meat. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors. Only pasteurized dairy products should be consumed.
AIDS occurs. Single-use, disposable needles and syringes may be unavailable. Adequately screened blood supply may be available in some medical facilities in Argentina, including major hospitals in Buenos Aires. When possible, travelers should defer medical treatment until reaching a facility where safety can be assured.
Colds, sore throats, bronchitis, and mild forms of flu are common in winter (May - September).
The climate irritates sinus conditions.
The U.S. Transportation Department reports that insecticides are routinely sprayed inside airplanes before arriving passengers disembark.
Cholera: Although limited in effectiveness, vaccination may be appropriate for persons living and/or working in less than sanitary conditions for more than 3 months where medical facilities are unavailable. Vaccination may also be appropriate for travelers with impaired gastric defenses who are planning an extended visit or being exposed to unsanitary conditions. Vaccination is not advised for pregnant women, infants younger than 6 months old, or persons with a history of severe reaction to the vaccine.
Hepatitis A: Consider active immunization with hepatitis A vaccine or passive immunization with immune globulin (IG) for all susceptible travelers. Especially consider choosing active immunization for persons planning to reside for a long period or for persons who take frequent short-term trips to risk areas. The importance of protection against hepatitis A increases as length of stay increases. It is particularly important for persons who will be living in or visiting rural areas, eating or drinking in settings of poor or uncertain sanitation, or who will have close contact with local persons (especially young children) in settings with poor sanitary conditions.
Typhoid: Vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 3 weeks, adventurous eaters, and those who will venture off the usual tourist routes into small cities, villages and rural areas. Importance of vaccination increases as access to reasonable medical care becomes limited. Contraindications depend on vaccine type.
Yellow fever: Vaccination is recommended for travelers over 9 months of age visiting northeastern forest areas.
Note: All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.
Urban areas are free from endemic diseases and sanitary conditions keep them safe from serious epidemics.
Insect-borne illness: these diseases are relatively unimportant in this area.
Dengue fever - occurs (sporadically in urban areas in the north)
Hemorrhagic fever - rare (in Pampas and central areas)
Malaria - occurs
Trypanosomiasis (Chagas' disease) - occurs
Yellow fever - risk exists in northeastern forest areas
Food-borne and water-borne illness:
Cholera - occurs
Gastroenteritis - occurs (mainly salmonellosis; relatively common, especially in suburban areas and among children below the age of 5 years)
Hepatitis - occurs
Intestinal parasitosis - prevalent (especially in coastal regions)
Leishmaniasis - occurs in northern areas
Typhoid fever - occurs
Other hazards:
Diseases such as measles are commonly reported.
Influenza risk extends from May to October.
Anthrax - occurs
Rabies - prevalent and increasing
Trachoma - occurs in northeastern areas
Risk of hantavirus is present for those who may have close contact with rodents.
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