Are there any dangerous diseases in Chile? |
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No, there are neither dangerous diseases nor poisonous animals in Chile. The only known disease in Chile is acute mountain sickness (AMS). Because of the Andes, Chile is a very mountainous country and there are many towns and sights at elevation up to 4.500m/14.700ft. Lack of oxygen at high altitudes (over 2.000m/6.500ft) affects most people to some extent. The effect may be mild or severe and occurs because less oxygen reaches the muscles and the brain at high altitudes, requiring the heart and lungs to compensate by working harder. Symptoms of acute mountain sickness are shortness of breath, headache, dizziness, debilities and nausea usually developing during the first 24 hours at a high altitude. Treat symptoms by resting at the same altitude until recovery. If symptoms persist or become worse, immediate descent is necessary. To prevent acute mountain sickness drink a lot of water (not sparkling!). Generally it is recommended to drink at least one liter of water per 1.000m/3.280ft of height. And the most important thing: Don't stress and take everything very easy!
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