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Mozzwise Briefing

Bolivia
Overall Risk: Low

Bolivia has peak mosquito activity during the wet season from November through March. The tropical lowlands of Santa Cruz, Beni, and Pando departments carry the highest risk. The Yungas valleys and sub-Andean foothills are transitional zones. La Paz, Sucre, and highland areas above 2,500 meters have minimal risk.

Dengue fever is the primary concern in the lowlands, with major outbreaks in Santa Cruz. Malaria (P. falciparum and P. vivax) persists in the Amazon lowlands and Yungas. Chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever are also present in eastern lowland departments.

Aedes aegypti is the dominant dengue vector in lowland cities. Anopheles darlingi carries malaria in the Amazon basin. The dramatic altitude range means risk varies enormously between highland and lowland Bolivia.

Precautions

Use DEET (20%+) or Picaridin-based repellent on exposed skin
Wear light-colored, long-sleeve clothing at dawn and dusk
Sleep under a permethrin-treated mosquito net if no air conditioning
Eliminate standing water near your accommodation
Keep windows and doors closed or screened
Consider antimalarial prophylaxis if malaria is present — consult your doctor
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Disease presence data is sourced from WHO, CDC, ECDC, and OpenDengue. This is not medical advice — consult a travel health professional before your trip.

Mosquito Risk in Bolivia | Mozzwise