Risk / Health Info for Chile

Do I need vaccinations for Chile?

Global Travel Clinics can help you work out what shots you need to go to Chile. Hepatitis A and typhoid are two vaccines recommended to people going to Chile.

Rabies occurs in Chile and travellers who are at increased risk of animal bites should consider getting a rabies shot. This group includes:

• anyone going to a remote region
• travellers who will be working with or spending time around animals particularly bats and dogs
• children
• runners and cyclists.

Even if you are vaccinated against rabies, if you are bitten by an animal in Chile you need to get it looked at by a healthcare professional.

Can I get medical treatment in Chile?

You will find good facilities in major cities. Private healthcare in Chile is pricey, so travel health insurance is vital. If you are visiting Easter Island, there is only one hospital with limited facilities. If you have a serious illness will have to be evacuated to the mainland and this will be expensive.

The emergency number in Chile is 131.

Other health risks in Chile

You can catch several mosquito-borne illnesses in Chile, including dengue fever and zika, so it is a very good idea to avoid bites. Wear clothes with good coverage and use a reliable insect repellent.

The capital, Santiago, has bad air pollution between June and September, which can exacerbate a respiratory illness.

Altitude in Chile

Parts of Chile are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Dengue fever in Chile

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Chile. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Zika in Chile

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Chile. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to Chile. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.