118 CultureShock! Bolivia
positive effect on health, and greater dangers exist in Bolivia’s
tropical areas. Yellow Fever vaccination may be recommended
for travel in the tropics. Protection lasts 10 years. Typhoid
protection lasts three years and is recommended for those
who are intending to remain for lengthy periods in rural,
tropical areas. Insect repellent, water purifi cation tablets,
antihistamine, antiseptics and calamine lotion should be the
friends of jungle trekkers.Insuring Your Health
Let’s not hype all the bad things that might happen but
that probably will not. It’s not so diffi cult to stay healthy in
Bolivia. Nevertheless, the traveller should contact one of the
various agencies that provide updates and comprehensive
information on preventive measures.Health and Safety Contacts
In the United States,check out the International Travel
information from the US Department of State website at http://
travel.state.gov/
In the UK, write to the Medical Advisory Services for Travellers
Abroad (MASTA), website at http://www.masta-travel-health.com
In Australia, check out the Traveller’s Medical and Vaccination
Centre at http://www.tmvc.com.auEach country has its own travel health insurance plans.
Less expensive, if you are staying for a longer period, is
to purchase health insurance right here in Bolivia. If you
remain covered by insurance from your homeland, prior
to departure make sure you bring all the required forms, in
case of a claim.
The United States and British embassies in La Paz will
have an updated list of recommended physicians who
speak English or specialise in tourist related ailments. The
United States Embassy is located on Avenida Arce 2780. The
quainter embassy of the United Kingdom is right next door at
Arce 2732, and also serves those Commonwealth countries
that do not have an embassy in Bolivia. The numbers of