According to International SOS, the department of Beni is reporting an outbreak of Bolivian haemorrhagic fever.  More than 75 cases are suspected and at least four fatalities have been confirmed.  The most affected areas include Magdalena, San Joaquin and San Ramon. 

 

The Ministry of Health is urging people to practice good personal and environmental hygiene to reduce rodents in and around homes.  Humans usually contract the disease from rodent urine/feces.  A person can be exposed by touching, inhaling, or consuming these excretions.  Examples include eating contaminated food or breathing in contaminated dust when sweeping. 

 

This disease is consistently present in areas of Bolivia.  Infections typically occur between April to July. 

 

There is no certain cure for haemorrhagic fevers.  An antiviral drug may shorten the illness and may help reduce the chance of complications.

 

 

 

According to International SOS, authorities in Bolivia are reporting a rapid  increase in the number of dengue cases in Santa Cruz department.  The 2011-2012 dengue season began in October 2011 and has affected most departments including Beni, La Paz, Chuquisaca, Pando and Tarija.  In the first 12 weeks of 2012, more than 22,800 suspected cases were reported.  Of those, 3,200 have been confirmed and at least 28 people have died of the disease.

 

There is no vaccine to prevent dengue fever.  The only way to prevent the disease is to take precautions at all times to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes. 

 

According to TravelCare International, Yapacani municipality has reported a rapid increase in the number of dengue cases.  Over 40 cases have been detected in Santa Cruz department.  It is suspected that the source of spread is an ongoing outbreak in the Chapare province of Cochabamba department. The government has issued an 'orange alert.'

 

In 2011, there have been more than 31,000 suspected and nearly 6,000 confirmed cases within the country.  At least 29 fatalities were reported by the end of the year.  Deaths due to dengue continue to be reported in 2012. 

 

Dengue is consistently present in Bolivia. There is no vaccine to prevent dengue fever.  All travelers to Bolivia are advised to take precautions to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes.  This is the only way to prevent the disease.

 

According to TravelCare International, Yapacani municipality has reported a rapid increase in the number of dengue cases.  The government has issued an 'orange alert'.  Within the entire country, there have been more than 31,000 suspected cases and nearly 6,000 confirmed cases in 2011.  At least 29 fatalities were reported. 

 

Dengue is consistently present in Bolivia.  It is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.  Symptoms include high fever, joint and muscle pain and severe headache.  There is currently no vaccine against dengue fever.  All travelers to Bolivia should take precautions at all times to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes.