Argentina - Health

Argentina Health for Visitors

Private healthcare facilities are good but can be expensive while public hospitals are often overcrowded.

Full travel insurance with an evacuation option is advisable.

Decompression chambers are available in Argentina.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:

Ensure you are up to date with your routine vaccine before your trip.

Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Measles vaccinations are recommended.

Rabies is not typically considered a risk in Argentina, however, particular groups of travelers may need to take precautions against infection from a dog or mammal bite.

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for travelers over the age of 9 months old going to Corrientes and Misiones Provinces.

See full details at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Food and Water Concerns:

Tourists can safely drink tap water in Buenos Aires. Filtered water is often provided by hotels and restaurants, but bottled water is frequently accessible.

If in doubt, sterilization of all foods is advisable.  Commercially prepared dairy products are pasteurized and safe to eat as are most locally produced meat and vegetables.

Red tide can contaminate shellfish and pose a risk to humans, and warnings are typically posted in affected areas.

Mosquito-borne Diseases:

Chikungunya virus transmission has been detected in Argentina within the last five years. Chikungunya vaccine may be considered.

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by sand flies’ bites.

Chagas disease is endemic in Argentina.

Dengue and Zika virus are a risk in this country.

Because of the pregnancy risks, travelers should consult the CDC Travelers’ Health website for the most current recommendations for Zika.

Prevention:

• Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply according to the manufacturer’s directions.
• Wear neutral-colored (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing.
• Pre-soak or spray the outer layer of clothing and gear with permethrin.
• Ensure that the hatch and window screens work properly.

Prescription Drugs:

Visitors can bring personal medications to Argentina, but customs authorities may request medical prescriptions and treatment, with the amount of medications proportional to the duration of stay.

Emergency Numbers:
See Emergencies.

A full list of hospitals is provided on the Buenos Aires government website.

Last updated:  August 2024