Bancroftian filariasis is endemic in parts of Brazil, Guyana and Suriname. Epidemics of viral encephalitis and dengue fever occur in some countries of this area. Louse-borne typhus is often found in mountain areas of Colombia and Peru. Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru and Venezuela all reported autochthonous cases of cholera in 1996. Rabies has been reported from many of the countries in this area.
Meningococcal meningitis occurs in the form of epidemic outbreaks in Brazil.
Snakes and leeches may be a hazard in some areas.