Colombia
Avoid dental care unless you are in a major city as generally the standards of care and hygiene can not be guaranteed
Supplies of international medications are generally available in the major cities of Colombia
Blood supplies are screened but not to international standards and should therefore be considered unsafe. The exception is a hospital in Bogotá called the Hospital Fundacion Santa Fe, which screens their blood to international standards
Medical care is adequate in major cities, but it varies in quality elsewhere. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, although many hospitals in major cities accept major U.S. credit cards.
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.
Drink only bottled beverages (including water) or beverages made with boiled water. Do not use ice cubes or eat raw seafood, rare meat or dairy products. Eat well-cooked foods while they are still hot and fruits that can be peeled without contamination. Avoid roadside stands and street vendors.
Swim only in well-maintained, chlorinated pools or ocean water known to be free from pollution. Wear clothing which reduces exposed skin and apply repellents containing DEET to remaining areas. Sleep in well-screened accommodations. Carry anti-diarrheal medication. Reduce problems related to sun exposure by using sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen lotions and lip protection.
AIDS occurs. Blood supply may not be adequately screened and/or single-use, disposable needles and syringes may be unavailable. When possible, travelers should defer medical treatment until reaching a facility where safety can be assured.
Security on public transportation in cities is poor.
Bogota's high altitude usually causes short-term breathing difficulties, insomnia, and weight loss in some healthy individuals - persons with known significant heart or lung problems should avoid Bogota.
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.
Hepatitis B: If destined for Amazon basin areas, vaccination is advised for health care workers, persons anticipating direct contact with blood from or sexual contact with inhabitants, and persons planning extended stays of 6 months or greater (especially those who anticipate using local health care facilities, staying in rural areas, or having intimate contact with the local population).
Rabies: Preexposure vaccination should be considered for persons staying longer than 30 days who are expected to be at risk to bites from domestic and/or wild animals (particularly dogs), or for persons engaged in high risk activities such as spelunking or animal handling. Need for vaccination is more important if potential exposure is in rural areas and if adequate postexposure care is not readily available.
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 going outside of urban 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.
Insect-borne illness: these diseases, including malaria and yellow fever, are an important cause of ill health in rural areas.
Dengue fever - occurs, including in urban areas
Dengue hemorrhagic fever - occurs
Leishmaniasis (cutaneous and mucocutaneous) - common
Leishmaniasis (visceral) - rare
Onchocerciasis (river blindness) - occurs
Trypanosomiasis (Chagas' disease) - occurs
Typhus - common in mountain areas
Food-borne and water-borne illness: these diseases are common and include amoebiasis, diarrheal diseases, helminthic infections, and viral hepatitis.
Brucellosis - common
Cholera - occurs
Echinococcosis (hydatid disease) - occurs
Other hazards:
Diseases such as measles and diphtheria are commonly reported.
Influenza risk extends throughout the year.
Rabies - occurs (prevalent among animal population)
AIDS: According to the Department of State, testing is required for anyone suspected of being HIV positive. HIV positive persons are not admitted without a waiver from a Colombian consulate in the U.S. Foreign test results are accepted under certain conditions. Contact Colombia's embassy for details.
Yellow fever: Colombia recommends vaccination for persons visiting the middle valley of the Magdalena River, eastern and western foothills of the Cordillera Oriental from the border with Ecuador to that with Venezuela, Uraba, foothills of the Sierra Nevada, eastern plains (Orinoquia) and Amazonia.
