10 Jan 2024 | 12:08 PM UTC
Bolivia: Elevated COVID-19 transmission reported nationwide through early January
Elevated COVID-19 transmission reported nationwide in Bolivia through early January. Maintain basic health precautions.
Bolivian health authorities have reported elevated COVID-19 activity, with a total of 6,253 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported from Dec. 18, 2023-Jan. 7, 2024. Disease transmission has been reported nationwide, with Santa Cruz (3,523 cases) being the most at risk, followed by Cochabamba (1,516 cases), La Paz (649 cases), Oruro (148 cases), Chuquisaca (123 cases), and Tarija (115 cases). Bolivian authorities have implemented strict health measures to prevent disease transmission, including mandatory mask use in schools, and ensuring the availability of disinfectants and adequate conditions for handwashing in schools. This represents the most complete data available as of Jan. 10.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions. Individuals that are feeling ill or displaying symptoms should refrain from public engagements and consider isolating were possible.
COVID-19 vaccinations can increase protection against severe infection and all individuals, especially those at higher risk, are encouraged to remain up to date with booster vaccines. Individuals should continue to abide by national health and safety measures provided by their regulatory bodies.
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms. Multiple variants of COVID-19 have been identified globally, some spreading more easily between people, like Omicron. COVID-19 vaccines are distributed across population groups, with evidence suggesting strong protective effects against COVID-19 variants.
Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.
