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Health and
Security
Chile is a relatively safe
country, but deals with some of the same problems as most
other international cities, such as theft and drug-related
crimes. Take the same safety precautions in Santiago that
you would in many large cities; maintain a low profile.
Avoid wearing expensive or expensive-looking jewelry, avoid
handling large amounts of cash in public, and avoid carrying
luggage or cameras that identify you as a tourist. Keep
wallets and handbags well secured. Pickpockets and purse-snatchers
do work the crowded streets, especially during rush hours,
on public transportation, and in the crowded areas around
Avenues Ahumada and Huérfanos.
Following general precautions will insure your safety. Do
not walk in downtown Santiago after dark or on weekends in
the late afternoon. Even short walks are considered risky,
and you are advised to take a taxi.Visit the San Cristóbal
and Santa Lucía hills only during daylight hours and stay on
the main paths.
Women alone may be subject to sexual overtures on the street.
Ignore them completely. The company of another woman may
help avoid them; try to sit next to another woman on public
transportation.
Report a lost or stolen passport or carnet de identidad
immediately to the local police and to your nearest embassy
or consulate.
Health concerns and diseases
The following information on the diseases most prevalent in
Chile is excerpted from reports of the Traveler's Health
Section of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. For detailed current information on these
diseases and regular updates on regional health concerns,
contact the CDC at:
CDC Voice or Fax Information Service
U.S. Tel: 1-404-332-4559
Website address: http://www.cdc.gov .
Regional reports can be accessed under the heading
Traveler's Health on the CDC home page: www.cdc.gov/travel/regions.htm
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The single greatest health concern in the city of Santiago
is the quality of the air, accompanied by sharp changes in
climate. Eye, nose, and throat problems are endemic; some
people develop a chronic, lingering cough. Joggers may wish
to consult with a physician before beginning a rigorous
outdoor program.
Gastrointestinal ailments can be avoided by careful
preparation of foods and limiting consumption of local water.
Cholera
Although all of South America has recently experienced an
increase in the incidence of Cholera, it is not as
widespread in Chile as it is in some neighboring countries.
Precautions should, nevertheless, be taken. Avoid uncooked
vegetables and raw seafood.
A vaccine, which requires two injections, is available to
provide limited immunity, but is usually not recommended to
protect against such a rare disease.
Rabies
Rabid animals are seen more frequently in Chile than in
Europe and North America, and should be regarded as
dangerous. Treat any scratch seriously and consider a pre-exposure
vaccine.
Typhoid and Hepatitis A
In rural areas where hygiene standards are not high, Typhoid
and Hepatitis outbreaks do occur in Chile throughout the
year. Recognize the danger and take the normal precautions
with foods and water: eat only thoroughly-cooked food, peel
all fruit, and drink only boiled water or bottled water and
drinks. Be especially careful that mayonnaise has been kept
properly refrigerated.
A Typhoid vaccination is recommended for those traveling in
rural areas.
Vaccinations and health
There are no vaccination requirements to enter Chile.
The normal childhood vaccinations of measles, mumps, rubella
(MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP), and polio
should be up-to-date. It is also wise to check vaccination
requirements directly with the consular office of the host
country's embassy.
In addition, you should always consult your home country's
vaccination regulations for re-entry, on home leave or
repatriation.
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