Risk / Health Info for Colombia

What shots do I need for Colombia?

It is best to make sure your shots are up to date before you leave for Colombia. Consult a healthcare adviser at Canadian Travel Clinics about getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid, which are unpleasant gastrointestinal illnesses spread by contaminated food and water. You can further protect yourself from food- and-water-borne illnesses that cause “travellers’ diarrhea” by sticking to food that you can peel or has been cooked or boiled.

People going to Colombia frequently or planning to stay a long time should consider a hepatitis B shot. Children and people who will work in a healthcare or dentistry setting should also get a hep B shot. Hep B is also spread by contact with infected blood or body fluid, so infection routes include shared or dirty needles, unprotected sex, and invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

Animals in Colombia can carry rabies, so if you plan to visit a remote region or work with animals — particularly bats and dogs — consider getting a vaccination. Children are especially vulnerable to bites and scratches from animals. Always get urgent medical attention for any animal bites or scratches in Colombia, even if you have been vaccinated.

Yellow fever is present in Colombia, so if you have already been vaccinated be sure to take your certificate with you. The shot gives lifelong immunity, so if you haven’t had a shot yet, ask our adviser for more information.

Is the tap water in Colombia safe to drink?

Tap water in Colombia is better quality in colder regions than in warmer zones.

Are there hospitals in Colombia?

Medical facilities are adequate in urban centres and many private clinics offer emergency services, but care may not meet Canadian standards. Make sure you have travel insurance and access to sufficient funds before you go to Colombia, so contact your provincial or territorial health authority for more information.

The emergency number in Colombia is 123 — but remote areas may not be covered by any ambulance service.

Will I be able to get hold of my medications in Colombia?

Before you leave check to see if your medications are prohibited in Colombia. Pack your medications in their original containers and bring enough to last the whole trip, because some drugs are hard to find in Colombia.

Protect your health in Colombia

Protect yourself against mosquito-borne illnesses in Colombia such as malaria, Zika, yellow fever, dengue fever and chikungunya, particularly along the coasts and in low altitude areas during the rainy season from April to November. Avoid bites by using a reliable insect repellent, wearing clothing with good limb coverage, and sleeping under nets and in air-conditioned accommodation wherever possible. There is a vaccine for yellow fever, and anti-malarials are available to protect you against malaria.

Guard against leishmaniasis, which causes skin sores and ulcers, by avoiding sandfly bites, especially in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres.

Chikungunya virus in Colombia

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Colombia. 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 Colombia

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

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Colombia 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 Colombia

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

Altitude in Colombia

Parts of Colombia 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.