Risk / Health Info for Peru

What injections do I need for Peru?

If you are wondering about immunisations to go to Peru, then your healthcare advisor at Global Travel Clinics can help you. Two recommended vaccines are typhoid and hepatitis A. Immunisation against typhoid and hep A will help you to avoid a pair of unpleasant GI illnesses.

Do you need a yellow fever certificate to go to Peru? The answer is yes. The shot 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.

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

Some groups of travellers to Peru should consider getting a set of hepatitis B vaccine. These include children, frequent and long-stay travellers as well as those who will be working in a healthcare setting, including dentistry or in a lab that handles body fluids. Hep B is also contracted through recreational intravenous drug use and unprotected sex. Another infection route is invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

What healthcare facilities are there in Peru?

Medical treatment in Peru can be costly and coverage is patchy. You should get travel health insurance before you go and ensure you have emergency funds available to cover any treatment you need.

Do I need anti-malarial tablets for Peru?

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne illnesses in Peru, including malaria and yellow fever so it is a very good idea to avoid bites wherever possible. You should wear clothing with good limb coverage and use a reliable insect repellent. Sleep under nets wherever possible. You can further protect yourself by getting a yellow fever vaccine and by taking anti-malarial tablets if this is appropriate.

Altitude in Peru

Parts of Peru 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 Peru

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Peru 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 Peru

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