Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hepatitis A
The second-most common travel-related infection (after traveler's diarrhea).
It's a viral infection of the liver that is usually acquired by ingestion of contaminated water,
food or ice, though it may also be acquired by direct contact with infected persons.
Symptoms may include fever, malaise, jaundice, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Most cases resolve without complications, though hepatitis A occasionally causes severe
liver damage. There is no treatment. The vaccine for hepatitis A is extremely safe and
highly effective.
Leishmaniasis
This is transmitted by sand flies. Most cases occur in newly cleared
forest or areas of secondary growth; the highest incidence is in Talamanca. It causes
slow-growing ulcers over exposed parts of the body. There is no vaccine. To protect your-
self from sand flies, follow the same precautions as for mosquitoes.
Malaria
Malaria is very rare in Costa Rica, occurring only occasionally in rural parts of
the Limón province. It's transmitted by mosquito bites, usually between dusk and dawn.
Taking malaria pills is not necessary unless you are making a long stay in the province of
Limón (not Puerto Limón). Protection against mosquito bites is most effective.
Traveler's diarrhea
Tap water is safe and of high quality in Costa Rica, but when you're
far off the beaten path it's best to avoid tap water unless it has been boiled, filtered or
chemically disinfected (with iodine tablets). To prevent diarrhea, be wary of dairy
products that might contain unpasteurized milk and be highly selective when eating food
from street vendors. If you develop diarrhea, be sure to drink plenty of fluids, preferably
with an oral rehydration solution containing lots of salt and sugar. If diarrhea is bloody or
persists for more than 72 hours, or is accompanied by fever, shaking chills or severe ab-
dominal pain, seek medical attention.
Typhoid
Caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated by a species of salmonella
known as
Salmonella typhi
. Fever occurs in virtually all cases. Other symptoms may in-
clude headache, malaise, muscle aches, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea and abdom-
inal pain. Possible complications include intestinal perforation, intestinal bleeding, confu-
sion, delirium or (rarely) coma. A pretrip vaccination is recommended.
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
Animal bites
Do not attempt to pet, handle or feed any animal. Any bite or scratch by a
mammal, including bats, should be promptly and thoroughly cleansed with large amounts
of soap and water, and an antiseptic such as iodine or alcohol should be applied. Contact
a local health authority in the event of such an injury.
Insect bites
No matter how much you safeguard yourself, getting bitten by mosquitoes is
part of every traveler's experience here. The best prevention is to stay covered up - wear
long pants, long sleeves, a hat, and shoes, not sandals. Invest in a good insect repellent,
preferably one containing DEET. Apply to exposed skin and clothing (but not to eyes,
