Central America

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a middle-income, developing country with a strong democratic tradition. Tourist facilities are generally adequate. The capital is San Jose. English is widely spoken.

CRIME: Crime is increasing and tourists are frequent victims. While most crimes are non-violent, criminals, including juveniles, have shown a greater tendency in recent years to use violence.

In recent years, several travellers have been murdered in Costa Rica in urban, rural and resort locations. Many of the perpetrators have been arrested, and some convicted. There have been several attempted sexual assaults, including one rape, by taxi drivers. Travellers should be careful to use licensed taxis, which are red and have medallions painted on the side. Licensed taxis at the airport are painted orange, rather than red. All taxis should have working door handles, locks, and meters (called "marias"), and passengers should not ride in the front seat with the driver. Do not use unlicensed "pirate" taxis.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities are available, but may be limited outside urban areas.

Arthropodborne diseases:

• Malaria
• Chagas disease
• Dengue fever
• Leishmaniasis
• Filariasis

We recommend to prevent Arthropodborne diseases:

• Usage of long-sleeved shirt and long pants to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects
• Usage og insect repellent containing DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide), in 30%–35% strength for adults and 6%–10% for children. Unless you are staying in air-conditioned or well-screened housing
• Usage of a bed net impregnated with the insecticide permethrin.
• Staying and sleeping in air-conditioned houses

Water- and foodborne diseases:

• Amoebiasis
• Brucellosis
• Cholera
• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid fever

Other diseases:

• Hepatitis B
• Rabies

Vaccinations recommended:

• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
• Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
• Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation.
• Typhoid vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region.
• A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within th last 10 years.

Stay healthy:

• Wash hands often with soap and water.
• Drink only boiled water, or water and carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans
• Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.
• Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it
• Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents (applied sparingly at 4-hour intervals) and permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn.
• Prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot
• Do not travel at night
• Trafic accidents are frequent, be careful
• Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
• Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.
• Use chloroquine as malaria prophylaxis in Los Chiles ( Alajuela Province ) and Matina and Talamanca ( Limón Province )
  

To top Back to list of countries Home

Updated 18-Jul-2003 • İtraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster

The contents within traveldoctoronline are presented only for informational purposes and cannot substitute for professional health care or any other medical treatment. All users of this website with health problems should be oblige always to consult their medical doctor before starting any treatment.