Argentina
Travel Destination – Argentina
Argentina’s breathtaking scenery and diverse landscapes stretch from the soaring Andes to the open plains of Patagonia. Its energetic cities, colourful traditions, and renowned cuisine offer experiences that captivate the senses and leave lasting memories. Whether wandering vibrant streets, trekking rugged mountains, or enjoying a vineyard retreat, thoughtful preparation helps ensure a safe and smooth journey.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
Before travelling to Argentina, it’s a good idea to book an appointment with a travel doctor to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. They can create a personalised health plan for your itinerary, whether you’ll be exploring bustling cities, trekking through the Andes, or visiting remote Patagonian landscapes. Your doctor can recommend vaccinations, provide prescriptions for necessary medications, and give health advice specific to Argentina. Aim to schedule your visit six to eight weeks before departure to allow time for multi-dose vaccines, though even a last-minute consultation can provide accelerated vaccination schedules and essential guidance for your trip.
Insect avoidance
In Argentina, mosquito borne diseases such as Dengue Fever and Zika virus are present. While at the time of writing, malaria was not a major concern in Argentina, it’s still important to protect yourself from mosquito bites. To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, stay in air-conditioned rooms with intact fly screens, or permethrin-treated mosquito nets if enclosed spaces are not available. When outdoors, wear long sleeves and long pants, and apply mosquito repellent with an active ingredient of either DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Food and water hygiene
Argentina is famous for its “asado” (barbeque) which features various grilled meats, accompanied by empanadas and other side dishes. Some tips to avoid getting gastroenteritis or other gastrointestinal infections include washing your hands or using antiseptic hand gel before eating. Be careful to avoid raw, undercooked or reheated food. Street food is safest when it has been cooked in front of you, and fruit and vegetables are safer when peeled before consuming, including bananas and mangos. Contaminated water can carry diseases, so drink boiled, filtered, or bottled water while avoiding untreated tap water and ice made from it.
Rabies prevention
Unlike most parts of the world, Australia is free of rabies. In Argentina, rabies is commonly found in some land animals and bats. It’s best to discuss with your travel doctor whether to get the rabies vaccine prior to travel, especially if you will be travelling in remote areas or working with animals. If rabies exposure occurs while traveling, seek urgent medical assistance as vaccines are available throughout the country, and rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms occur.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for Argentina?
Yellow fever
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Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness that can lead to symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, and body aches, and in advanced forms may cause jaundice and other serious complications. In Argentina, the disease is present mainly in the northern and northeastern regions, including parts of Misiones and Corrientes. Travellers are advised to discuss their itinerary with a travel doctor who will arrange yellow fever vaccination if required.
Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis A, an acute viral infection of the liver, is spread through contaminated food and water. It can cause fever, tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite and abdominal pain. It can also cause symptoms such as dark urine, pale faeces and yellow skin, and in some cases can lead to serious complications. There is a higher risk of getting Hepatitis A from Argentina compared to Australia, and the Hepatitis A vaccine is not part of the Australian routine immunisation schedule. The Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for travellers who have not completed a two-dose course already, particularly those planning a homestay in the community or visiting rural areas.
Typhoid
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Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water, caused by Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi. Symptoms can include high fever, headache, fatigue, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal upset. Typhoid is more common in parts of Argentina than in Australia, particularly in areas with limited sanitation or when consuming street food. Travellers visiting Argentina, especially those planning rural travel, longer stays, or higher-risk activities, may be advised to receive the Typhoid vaccine, which offers up to three years of protection.
Hepatitis B
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The hepatitis B virus causes a serious liver infection that spreads through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. Transmission can occur through unprotected sex, unsterile tattoo or piercing equipment, or sharing personal items like razors. While many younger Australians have received routine childhood vaccination for Hepatitis B, a significant number of adults remain unvaccinated and at risk. For travellers to Argentina who have not been vaccinated yet and are planning to stay for longer periods, Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended. A travel doctor can assess your immunisation history and itinerary to determine whether you should be vaccinated before travel.
Rabies
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Rabies is a deadly viral infection that can be carried by dogs, cats, bats, and other mammals in many parts of the world, including Argentina. Bites or scratches from these animals can transmit rabies, and once symptoms appear it is almost always fatal. Prevention involves avoiding contact with animals, including stray dogs, cats, and wildlife like monkeys and bats. Rabies vaccination is available prior to travel for those who plan to work with animals, spend a significant time outdoors or in rural areas, or travelling to locations with limited medical care. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal in Argentina, seek immediate medical attention, as post-exposure treatment is available and must be started as soon as possible, even if you have been vaccinated previously.
Routine vaccinations
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In Australia, strong vaccination coverage keeps measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus cases very low. When travelling to Argentina, where these and other vaccine-preventable illnesses appear more frequently, your chance of exposure increases. Before departure, schedule a travel health check to confirm your routine vaccinations are current and determine whether you need boosters such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus, influenza, or COVID-19.
Argentina
Other health risks in Argentina
Dengue
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In Argentina, Dengue fever is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and can cause high fever, exhaustion, muscle and joint pain, and skin rashes. Most initial infections resolve within one to two weeks, but subsequent infections may result in severe dengue, which can lead to dangerous bleeding and very low blood pressure if not treated promptly. Mosquitoes that carry Dengue are most active during the day and thrive in densely populated urban areas. Protecting yourself involves avoiding mosquito bites and reducing standing water where mosquitoes breed.
Gastroenteritis
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Gastroenteritis is one of the most frequent travel-related illnesses in Argentina, often arising from bacteria found in contaminated food or untreated water. The infection can be caused by organisms such as campylobacter, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and salmonella. Symptoms can appear 24 to 72 hours after exposure, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhoea.
Because dehydration is the main concern with gastroenteritis, the priority is replacing fluids and salts with oral rehydration solutions. Most travellers improve naturally within a few days. However, those with ongoing symptoms, trouble staying hydrated to keep up with fluid loss, or more severe illness should seek medical attention. Antibiotics may be used when infections are prolonged or when someone is at higher risk of complications. The most effective prevention includes strict hand hygiene and avoiding foods or drinks that may be unsafe.
Non-infectious conditions
Altitude sickness
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Acute mountain sickness (AMS) can affect about 25% of people who are not acclimatised to altitudes above 2,450 metres in Argentina’s Andes. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. For most travellers, these mild symptoms improve within 12 to 48 hours if no further ascent occurs.
More serious forms of altitude sickness can involve the brain or lungs. High-altitude cerebral oedema (HACE) may cause confusion or unusual behaviour, while high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) can lead to shortness of breath, coughing, and other respiratory problems. Both conditions are more likely above 4,300 metres and are life-threatening without immediate descent and treatment.
To reduce the risk, ascend gradually and allow time for acclimatisation. Prescription medications may be advised by a travel doctor for prevention or treatment, especially for journeys above 4,300 metres. Hikers unfamiliar with AMS, HACE, or HAPE should consider travelling with an experienced guide familiar with these risks and their management.
Key precautions recommended by the CDC include:
1) Recognise early symptoms and take them seriously.
2) Avoid sleeping at a higher altitude if symptoms develop.
3) Descend immediately if symptoms worsen while resting at the same elevation.
Deep vein thrombosis
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Extended flights, bus trips, or train journeys in Argentina can raise the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood-clot condition in the legs, caused by reduced circulation and slow moving blood. Preventative steps include taking movement breaks, stretching your legs, and drinking plenty of water during long travel. Individuals at higher risk may be advised to use below-knee compression stockings. Treatment for DVT generally involves blood-thinning medicines.
Safety on the roads and elsewhere
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For a safe trip in Argentina, comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical care and emergency evacuation is highly recommended. Whether you’re trekking in Patagonia or exploring the Andes, choose trails suitable for your fitness level, pack light, wear broken-in boots, and protect yourself with sunscreen and insect repellent.
If you plan to ride a motorbike, always wear a certified helmet, know local traffic rules, and be confident in your riding skills. On long-distance bus or car journeys, opt for vehicles with functioning seatbelts to ensure safety. Argentina offers incredible adventures, but preparation is key to enjoying them safely.