A large continent with a variety of climates and socio-economic states. We strongly recommend researching each region prior to travel.

An official yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required depending on your itinerary.
Depending on your itinerary your health care provider may offer you vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, rabies, or typhoid. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.

High risk exists throughout the year in many areas of South America such as the forested areas of the Legal Amazonia region. Precautions must be taken.

Quite a few diseases, including hepatitis A and typhoid fever, are transmitted by unsanitary food handling procedures and contaminated water. Food and beverage precautions are essential in order to reduce chance of illness. Anti-diarrheal drugs may help.

Mosquitoes and flies transmit a variety of diseases in this country, including malaria, dengue fever, and leishmaniasis. Personal protective measures are extremely important since insects cannot be avoided.

Sexually transmitted diseases can be a burden in some countries with a high incidence of HIV.

Tuberculosis is common in all the developing countries. Travelers planning to stay more than 3 months should have pre-departure PPD skin test status documented. Those who expect to have close contact with the local populace should be tested if staying more than 1 month. Travelers should avoid persons who are coughing in crowded public places whenever possible.

Schistosomiasis is present in many freshwater lakes and rivers in many countries and states.

Please visit: http://www.who.int/countries/en/ for specific country information.