HEALTH AS PRIORITY

Everywhere you go, health care is a top priority.

So firstly the basic tips for all travelers:

Diseases from food and water are the leading cause of illness in travelers. Follow these tips for safe eating and drinking:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating.  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol).
• Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles.  Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.  If this is not possible, learn how to make water safer to drink.
• Do not eat food purchased from street vendors.
• Make sure food is fully cooked.
• Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized.

Diseases from food and water often cause vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure to bring diarrhea medicine with you so that you can treat mild cases yourself.

In bigger cities in Paraguay the common tropical diseases are not so common oppose to uninhabitted land.

MEDICAL SERVICES

Medical services in Asunción are generally good, especially in private hospitals, but no adequate healthcare facilities are available in the interior. Take along all prescription medicine needed for the trip.

Sanitary conditions in most restaurants in Asuncion are very good; outside of the city, conditions can pose problems for travelers. Most hot, freshly cooked food should be safe (especially if it's included on a package tour), but peel fresh fruit and raw vegetables before eating, make sure meat is cooked thoroughly and avoid local dairy products outside Asuncion.

All products made by the Mennonite colonies should be safe and are, in fact, generally healthier than their North American equivalents. Outside of Asuncion, tap water is drinkable in some places, but it's better to stick with prepackaged or boiled drinks.

Tuberculosis, typhoid, dysentery, Chagas; disease and hepatitis are endemic in the interior, and malaria, including chloroquine-resistant strains, is present along the border with Brazil.

We recommend diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis, yellow fever, polio and typhoid inoculations.

It is recommended getting a vaccination regardless of where you plan to travel in the country. Take along a mosquito net if traveling in areas of Chaco and plenty of insect repellent containing deet.

The sun can be very strong, so use sunscreen liberally and wear a hat. Drink plenty of water—dehydration can be a problem. Always bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes.

Consult your physician about preventive measures for Paraguay.