Epidemiology
Plague in South America: which countries have foci and the real risk
Quick answer
- Plague circulates in natural foci in some South American countries, especially Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia.
- Brazil has no endemic transmission with regular human cases; it had historical foci in the Northeast.
- South American cases are sporadic and linked to rural areas, with exposure to rodents and fleas.
- The risk for the average traveller is low, but precautions in rural areas are recommended.
Does plague exist in South America?
Yes. Plague reached the continent during the Third Pandemic, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, carried along maritime routes. Since then it has established natural foci in some Andean regions and in Northeast Brazil.
These foci remain under surveillance, and human cases are recorded sporadically, generally in rural areas.
Which countries have foci
| Country | Situation |
|---|---|
| Peru | The country with the most notifications in the region; foci in Andean areas, mainly in the north |
| Ecuador | Foci in rural and Andean areas, with sporadic cases |
| Bolivia | Limited foci in rural regions |
| Brazil | Historical foci in the Northeast; no endemic transmission with regular human cases |
| Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay | No relevant active foci of human transmission |
Natural focus ≠ outbreak
The existence of a focus means the bacterium circulates among rodents and fleas in that area. It does not mean frequent human cases or high risk for those visiting cities.
Peru: the most affected country in the region
Peru concentrates most South American notifications, with historical foci in rural areas of the north and the Andes. Cases are usually linked to exposure to wild rodents and their fleas in rural communities.
Brazil's situation
Brazil recorded outbreaks during the 20th century, mainly in rural areas of the Northeast, but does not maintain endemic transmission with regular human cases. Foci in rodents and fleas remain monitored by epidemiological surveillance.
What this means for travellers
- The risk on conventional urban and tourist itineraries is very low.
- In rural and high-altitude areas, avoid contact with rodents, burrows and wildlife.
- Wear clothing that covers the skin and use insect repellent.
- Do not camp near burrows or grain stores.
- After returning, if fever or a painful swollen node appears, seek care and report your destination.
Frequently asked questions
Is there plague in Peru?
Yes. Peru is the South American country with the most notifications, in foci in rural and Andean areas, with sporadic cases linked to rodent exposure.
Is there plague in Argentina and Chile?
There are no relevant active foci of human transmission in those countries. Known circulation areas in the region are mainly in Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia.
Is it dangerous to travel to South America because of plague?
The risk for the average traveller is low, especially on urban itineraries. In rural high-altitude areas, avoid contact with rodents and fleas.
Is plague a public health problem in Brazil?
Not as an endemic disease with frequent cases. There are historical monitored foci in the Northeast and no regular human transmission.
Sources
Medical review
Review by a licensed health professional is being arranged. This educational content is based on reference sources (WHO, CDC and medical literature) and does not replace evaluation, diagnosis or treatment by a health professional.
How this content was produced
- Who
- Produced by the Equipe editorial do Peste.com.br, the editorial team responsible for gathering, verifying and classifying public information about plague (Yersinia pestis).
- How
- Information is compiled from official and scientific sources (WHO, CDC and national health authorities) and from recognised news outlets. Every statement is classified as confirmed, reported or unconfirmed, and each article lists its sources.
- Why
- To offer clear, source-based information in Portuguese about plague and to separate verified fact from rumour. This content is educational and does not replace medical advice.
- Medical review
- Review by a licensed health professional is being arranged; no credential is claimed until a real professional is credited.
- Last review
See our sources and methodology and the editorial team.A revisão por profissional de saúde habilitado está em processo de credenciamento. Assim que concluída, o nome e o registro serão informados nesta página e nos dados estruturados.