Risk / Health Info for Chile

Do I need shots for Chile?

Your shots should be up to date before leave for Chile. You can avoid hepatitis A and typhoid, two gastrointestinal illnesses spread by contaminated food and water, by getting vaccinated.

You might want to consider getting a shot for hepatitis B, too, especially if you plan to visit Chile often or stay for a long time. Children should get hep B shots, as should people who plan to work in healthcare or dentistry. It is spread by contact with infected blood or body fluid, so avoid dirty needles or unprotected sex. Other infection routes are tattooing or piercing, or invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

Rabies occurs in Chile so visitors should make sure their rabies shot is updated. Avoid contact with dogs or bats or other animals that might be infected. Children are particularly vulnerable to dog bites, as are cyclists and runners. Even if you have been vaccinated against rabies, get any scratch or bite checked right away by a healthcare professional.

Can I get medical treatment in Chile?

Healthcare facilities in Chile are adequate in Santiago and other major cities, but can be limited in remote areas. Some services accept credit cards but be prepared to pay cash if needed. Before you leave for Chile make sure you have travel insurance including case you need an emergency evacuation. Consult your provincial or territorial health authority before you leave.

The emergency medical number in Chile is 131.

Other health risks in Chile

You can catch several mosquito-borne illnesses in Chile, including dengue fever and chikungunya, and Zika may be present in the northern part of the country. Avoid getting bitten by using a reliable insect repellent and wearing clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Where possible, sleep under bed nets or in air-conditioned accommodation.

Santiago has bad air pollution between May and October, which can be difficult for people with respiratory issues.

Take precautions against ultraviolet radiation in Chile, because the ozone layer is especially thin over some parts of the country.

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.