Risk / Health Info for Uruguay

What inoculations do I need for Uruguay?

If you are travelling to Uruguay, vaccines are recommended. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are suggested for visitors to Uruguay. These will protect you from two unpleasant GI infections that can be picked up from contaminated food or water. You can avoid other GI infections by practising good personal hygiene and paying careful attention to what you eat and drink. For more tips on avoiding GI illnesses, see NHS Fit for Travel.

Rabies occurs in Uruguay and if you are going to a remote region or if you will be working with animals particularly bats and dogs consider getting this shot. Children should also be vaccinated against rabies as they may get bitten while playing with animals, often on the face or neck. Other activities that put you at risk of a dog bite include running and cycling. Seek urgent medical advice about an animal bite or scratch in Uruguay, even if you have been vaccinated against rabies.

If you think you’ll need a tetanus booster, ask your travel health advisor. This is particularly important if you are planning a long trip or if you are a frequent traveller.

Are there hospitals in Uruguay?

Medical treatment is very expensive in Uruguay, so good travel insurance is vital for your trip. Bear in mind that you may need to be repatriated, and your insurance should cover this eventuality.

The emergency number in Uruguay is 911.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Uruguay?

You do not need proof of immunity to yellow fever to enter Uruguay. However, if you are on a multiple destination trip, discuss your travel plans with your health advisor as you may need a yellow fever certificate for other parts of the trip.

Protect your health in Uruguay

It is possible to contract mosquito-borne illnesses in Uruguay, including dengue fever, so it is a very good idea to avoid bites wherever possible. You should wear neutral-coloured clothing that provides good limb coverage and use a reliable insect repellent.

Dengue fever in Uruguay

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

Chikungunya virus in Uruguay

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Uruguay. 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.