Britons have been given essential health guidance for travelling to Bolivia.
The UK Government warned of Oropouche virus disease, which could cause fever, chills, headache, joint pain and muscle aches. Cases have also broken out in Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Cuba in 2024.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) gave holidaymakers new information about the Oropouche virus disease.
Britons were advised: "Before you travel check that your destination can provide the healthcare you may need and you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation. This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant."
Colombia has seen outbreaks of Oropouche virus disease in 2024
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In the case of an emergency, holidaymakers were advised: "Call 118 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment."
Holidaymakers must take steps to stay safe before their travels. The FCDO advised: "At least eight weeks before your trip, check the latest vaccination recommendations for Bolivia and see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page.
"See what health risks you’ll face in Bolivia, including Oropouche virus disease."
Oropouche virus disease
Travel Health Pro has shared some important information regarding the Oropouche virus disease that holidaymakers should be aware of.
Experts advised: "Oropouche virus disease is an arboviral disease caused by the Oropouche virus (OROV). The virus has been found to circulate in Central and Southern America and the Caribbean, where outbreaks are known to occur. During 2024, outbreaks have been reported in Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and more recently in Cuba.
"OROV is transmitted (spread) to humans mainly through the bite of an infected midge (Culicoides paraensis). Some mosquitoes can also be involved in transmission. In July 2024, the Brazil Ministry of Health reported six possible cases of OROV being passed from mother to child during pregnancy (vertical transmission).
"It is not clear if infection with OROV was the cause of associated negative health outcomes for the foetuses, and work is ongoing to understand the potential risks of OROV infection during pregnancy. There have been no recorded cases of human-to-human transmission beyond these suspected cases.
"Symptoms of Oropouche virus disease begin four to eight days after an infective bite. Onset is sudden, usually with a fever, chills, headache, joint pain and muscle aches. Symptoms typically last for up to seven days. Some people may develop more severe diseases, however, including meningitis or encephalitis. In July 2024, the Brazil Ministry of Health reported two deaths, which represent the first reported fatalities attributed to Oropouche virus disease.
"There are no specific medications or vaccines to prevent OROV, but the risk of infection can be minimised by following bite avoidance measures when visiting areas with the infection. Treatment for Oropouche virus disease is supportive."
Holidaymakers have been given specific advice on what to do before they travel, while they are away and when they return.
Before you travel
Britons were told: "Check our Country Information pages to research general health risks, prevention advice and any vaccine recommendations or malaria advice for your destination. Outbreaks of OROV will be reported on our Outbreak Surveillance database.
"If you are planning to visit countries reporting arboviral infections including OROV, get travel health advice from your GP, practice nurse or a travel clinic, ideally at least four to six weeks before you travel. As other diseases such as Zika and malaria may exist in areas where Oropouche virus disease has been reported, pregnant women should discuss the potential risks of their travel plans with their health care provider."
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Brazil has seen outbreaks of Oropouche virus disease in 2024
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While you are away
Holidaymakers were told: "There is no vaccine or medication to prevent OROV infection. The only way to try to prevent infection is by minimising bites from midges and mosquitoes, as with many other insect and tick-borne infections, or avoiding visiting regions with a known or potential risk for OROV.
"You should seek advice from a health professional if you develop symptoms whilst you are overseas."
When you return
Travellers were advised: "If you or anyone in your family become unwell with symptoms such as high fever, chills, headache, joint pain and muscle aches following overseas travel, you should seek medical advice.
"It is important to tell your medical provider about any recent travel."
The FCDO provided further information on health risks in Bolivia. Britons were told: "Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Bolivia, including in La Paz and the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
"Some medications are currently in short supply in Bolivia. If you take prescription medicine, please ensure you have enough medicine to cover your stay in Bolivia. You must bring your prescription with you."
Britons were advised: "The public healthcare system does not meet the same standards as the UK, and you may not be able to access the public health system as it is already overstretched. There are private clinics in all main cities that work with international insurance.
"It is very important to have travel insurance and access to funds, as you will need to pay upfront to receive treatment."
The FCDO has a list of medical providers in Bolivia where some staff will speak English. For those living in Bolivia, there is also guidance on healthcare.
