Risk / Health Info for Paraguay

Do I need shots for Paraguay?

Your vaccinations should be up to date before you go to Paraguay. Your Canadian Travel Clinic adviser can help you with combined or separate shots for typhoidand hepatitis A, two unpleasant gastrointestinal illnesses spread from food or water.

Children should also get a hepatitis B vaccine, and so should people who visit Paraguay often or stay for extended periods, and anyone working in a healthcare or dentistry setting. Hep B is spread by contact with infected blood or body products, so avoid dirty needles and unprotected sex, and be careful about invasive medical or cosmetic treatments.

There is rabiesin Paraguay, so get vaccinated if you plan to visit a remote region or expect to be around animals, particularly bats and dogs. Children should always be vaccinated against rabies as they can get bitten easily while playing with animals, often on the face or neck. Seek immediate medical attention for any animal bite or scratch in Paraguay, even if you have been vaccinated.

What are the medical facilities like in Paraguay?

There is adequate medical care in Asunción but rural or remote areas have limited options and are often short staffed. Make sure you have travel insurance and access to sufficient funds to cover medical emergencies and evacuation, so consult your provincial or territorial health authority before you leave for Paraguay. Always make sure you bring along your own supply of any prescription drugs.

Protect your health in Paraguay

There is a risk of malaria and yellow fever from mosquito bites in Paraguay, as well as other mosquito-borne illnesses including Zika, chikungunya and dengue fever. To avoid mosquito bites, wear neutral-coloured clothing with good limb coverage and use a reliable insect repellent, and sleep under a net or in air-conditioned accommodation where possible. Bring along your yellow fever certificate, or speak to one of our advisers about getting vaccinated at least six weeks before you leave.

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.