El Salvador - Health
State-funded, public hospitals located in large cities have basic facilities and tend to be substandard. Public clinics (unidades de salud) are located throughout the country, but their resources, hours of operation and services are limited. Tourists typically use private clinics and hospitals; these can offer good emergency and advanced care services.
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:
Visitors should be up-to-date with immunizations. Hepatitis A is endemic in El Salvador, and all travelers should be immunized. Typhoid and rabies are also a risk.
Food and Water Concerns:
Food and water illnesses that are a risk in El Salvador include amebiasis, cysticercosis, brucellosis, listeriosis, and infections with Mycobacterium bovis and traveler’s diarrhea. Tap water in Mexico is often not potable. Visitors should avoid consuming raw dairy products, undercooked meat or fish and unwashed leafy greens, fruit and vegetables.
Mosquito-borne Diseases:
Dengue is endemic throughout El Salvador and should be considered a risk year-round.
The Malaria risk has dropped but is present. Chikungunya was first reported in 2014.
The Zika virus was first reported in 2015 and the country has reported current Zika virus transmission. Because of the risks to pregnancy, travelers should consult the CDC Travelers’ Health website for the most current recommendations for Zika.
Prevention:
- Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin. Re-apply according to manufacturer’s directions.
- Wear neutral-coloured (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing.
- Pre-soak or spray outer layer clothing and gear with permethrin.
- Ensure that hatch and window screens work properly.
Parasitic Infections:
Diseases transmitted by sand flies are found in coastal areas. Travelers to beach areas may be at risk for cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) and can be prevented by wearing shoes.
Last updated: February 2023
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Marina Barrillas is now closed as a port of entry.