Risk / Health Info for Paraguay

Do I need shots for Paraguay?

There are some injections to get before going to Paraguay and your healthcare advisor can guide you. There are vaccines for typhoid and hepatitis A. These vaccines will protect you against two GI illnesses that travellers can catch from food or water.

Do you need a yellow fever certificate to go to Paraguay? The answer is yes. The vaccine gives lifelong immunity and your certificate is proof of this. So long as you keep the certificate safe, you will never need to get another yellow fever vaccination.

Some travellers will need a hepatitis B vaccine. This group includes:

• children
• frequent and long-stay travellers
• those who will be working in a healthcare.

Rabies occurs in Paraguay and if you are going to a remote region or if you will be working with animals particularly bats and dogs consider getting this vaccine. Children should also be vaccinated against rabies as they may get bitten while playing with animals, often on the face or neck. Seek urgent medical advice about an animal bite or scratch in Paraguay, even if you have been vaccinated.

What are the medical facilities like in Paraguay?

Private medical facilities in big cities are good but ensure your travel insurance covers you for repatriation in case this is necessary. Not all medications are obtainable, so you should consider bringing your own supply of any prescription drugs.

Are mosquitos a problem in Paraguay?

Mosquito bites can give you several dangerous diseases in Paraguay, including yellow fever, Chikungunya virus, dengue fever, zika and malaria so you should avoid mozzie bites wherever possible. You can protect yourself by wearing clothing with good limb coverage and using a reliable insect repellent. You may need to have a yellow fever shot to go to Paraguay, if you are not already immune. Malaria prophylaxis is available: ask your travel health nurse for advice.

Chikungunya virus in Paraguay

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Paraguay. It is spread by day-biting mosquitoes and you can guard against infection by covering up and using mosquito repellents. Infection results in joint pains, fever, rash and headache. It clears up after a few days, but some patients are left with swollen and painful joints for weeks or even years afterwards.

Dengue fever in Paraguay

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Paraguay. 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.

Malaria in Paraguay

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Paraguay at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Zika in Paraguay

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Paraguay. 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 Paraguay. 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.