Argentina

COVID-19

COVID-19 is present in Argentina. 

If you are in Argentina, follow the advice of local authorities and take care to protect yourself from exposure to COVID-19. Ensure you have arrangements in place for an extended stay, and keep in contact with family and friends back home.

Major public attractions in Buenos Aires including concerts, clubs and museums, are now closed until further notice. 

Insect-borne diseases

Diseases spread by insects are a risk in Argentina. This includes:

These diseases are serious and can be fatal.

Outbreaks are more likely in wet seasons:

• May to August
• November to January

In January 2020, there is an active outbreak of dengue in Paraguay with cases registered in Northern Argentina.

Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It’s prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

US CDC recommends yellow fever vaccinations for all travellers going to Corrientes and Misiones provinces

Zika virus is a risk in the northern areas of Argentina. This includes Tucuman Province.

Pregnant women and their unborn babies are particularly at risk. If you’re pregnant:

• discuss any travel plans with your doctor
• defer non-essential travel to affected areas
• avoid travel to areas affected by Zika

To protect yourself against diseases spread by insects:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

More information:

Hantavirus

Infected rodents spread hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. It’s widespread in:

• northern regions of Salta and Jujuy
• central regions of Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, and Entre Rios
• the northeast region of Misiones
• southern regions of Neuquen, Rio Negro and Chubut

In January 2019, an outbreak in Chubut and Jujuy caused some deaths.

To protect yourself from hantavirus infection:

• avoid contact with live or dead rodents, burrows or nests
• avoid places where dust is raised, such as from sweeping and vacuuming their droppings
• choose a campsite that is open and dry
• don’t rest in tall grasses or haystacks
• remove food sources that may attract rodents

Altitude sickness

If you travel to an area higher than 2500m, you can develop altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness can be deadly. It can affect anyone, even if you’re physically fit.

Your risk of altitude sickness increases if you:

• ascend too quickly
• have had altitude sickness before
• exercise or drink alcohol before you can adjust to the altitude
• have health problems that affect breathing

If you’ll be travelling above 2500m:

• seek advice from your doctor before you travel
• get travel insurance that covers mountain rescue

Air pollution

Buenos Aires has high levels of air pollution. This may aggravate:

• bronchial conditions
• sinus conditions
• asthma

Other health risks

Outbreaks of waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases occur. This includes:

To reduce your risk of illness:

• boil drinking water or drink bottled water in rural areas
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you’re bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get urgent medical advice if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government