Staying Healthy While Visiting Costa Rica

Costa Rica's equatorial location is a rich environment for a variety of diseases. Mosquitoes, food, or water transmits the majority of diseases, and travelers must consider taking proper precautions to avoid illness. Many of them can be prevented; however, older individuals or those with compromised immune systems should consider getting vaccinations before traveling to Costa Rica.

Some diseases in Costa Rica cannot be vaccinated again; the most prevalent of these diseases are Dengue fever and Dengue Hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Both diseases manifest themselves with flu like symptoms, but Dengue Hemorrhagic fever is more dangerous and can be fatal.

Rabies is another common disease it is usually contracted by the bite of an animal. In Costa Rica, rabies is an issue so rabies vaccinations are recommended for travelers that will be in direct contact with bats, and other mammals.

Costa Rica has few inoculation requirements but in November of 2007, the Costa Rican government instituted a certain requirement for entry from countries in South America and Africa to have an International Certificate of Vaccination, which verifies they have been immunized with the Yellow Fever vaccine. Visitors, who do not have this vaccination certificate, will not be allowed to enter Costa Rica. Since, Yellow Fever is risk, it is advisable to get this vaccination if you are older or have a weaken immune system.

The Center of Disease Control and Prevention recommends that travelers visit a health-care provider who is specialist in Travel Medicine. These specialists are experts on what vaccinations required or recommended for the country or countries on your itinerary. Travelers, who have a medical condition, should also discuss their travel plans with their doctors.

Everyone knows about the "don't drink the water warnings" when traveling to such places as Costa Rica, but knowing not to drink the water and forgetting to use bottled water when brushing ones teeth is very common. Everyone traveling out of the country should be current with immunizations.

Many of the diseases travelers are exposed to in Costa Rica are spread through the bite of insects. Travelers should take special care in protecting themselves from insect bites. One area many tourists forget to take care of is their feet. Avoiding fungal and parasitic infections from water and soil to keep feet clean and avoid going barefoot. By taking precautions, travelers will experience one of the most diverse eco-environments in South America without having to worry about getting ill.

References:

Centers of Disease Control and Prevention

The Costa Rican Embassy Washington D.C.

CentralAmerica.com