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Traveling to Costa Rica?

December 5th, 2005

Bring the Repellent!

Despite truly heroic efforts by the government of Costa Rica and specifically the Health Ministry, Dengue Fever is rampant here right now with the number of reported cases up a stagering 311% percent this year. The daily rains have certainly exacerbated the problem. As I discuss in the sections on Disease in Costa Rica and the ever popular “Things Your Travel Agent Forgot to Tell You“, Dengue is caused by a daytime only biting mosquito. Dengue is very easily avoided by simply using an good insect repellent, so if you are planning a visit to Costa Rica, don’t panic! Simply bring a supply of bug spray with you or plan to buy some here when you arrive. All popular brands are available here. As of today, 23,000 Ticos have or are now infected with dengue and 36 have been diagnosed with the more serious hemorrhagic type. (Source: La Nacion)

Filed under Costa Rica, Health & Education, Life in Costa Rica, Travel | Comments (5)

5 Responses to “Traveling to Costa Rica?”

  1. Serena Hinkel on January 21, 2006 12:02 pm

    We are considering visiting in April. How do you keep bug spray on when you are at the beach, in and out of the water? I had Dengue Fever once when I was a teenager living on Guam and would prefer not to go through it again, or for my children to go through it. This is the one thing that is making me reconsider my vacation plans. What do you think? Your advice appreciated.

    Thanks!

  2. Tim on January 21, 2006 5:40 pm

    April is in the middle of the dry season, so mosquitos are less of a factor than in the rainy season. Additionally, there is almost always a breeze which keeps them down. Saying that, they are here, so if you find yourself bothered, just spray!

    While dengue is certainly a factor, it is not reason to cancel a trip. Just use common sense. You’d be much more exposed if visiting a rain forest or damp climate area.

  3. Deanna on March 14, 2006 10:46 am

    Hi there — okay my boyfriend and I are going to Costa Rica in 3 weeks! And it sounds like the common message here is BRING REPELLENT. done and done!

    BUT we are having problems getting our vaccinations before we go. I got oral typhoid pills (ew… $60 later) and he got Hep A vaccine. He still needs typhoid vaccine and we both need malaria pills. Honestly this is going to end up costing us potentially $200, easilly more!!!!! These are not cheap!! How necessary IS this stuff?? Of course, better safe than sorry right? These are the recommended vaccines before one goes to CR, so of course my mom really wants us to spring for these extra precautions…

    Any words of advice? Experience? How frequent are these diseases? ANY help is hugely appreciated!!

  4. Tim on March 14, 2006 1:40 pm

    “I got oral typhoid pills (ew… $60 later) and he got Hep A vaccine. He still needs typhoid vaccine and we both need malaria pills. Honestly this is going to end up costing us potentially $200, easilly more!!!!!”

    HUH?? Did you not read The REAL Costa Rica first?? You need NONE of that stuff!

    See:

    http://www.therealcostarica.com/health_education_costa_rica/disease_costa_rica.html

  5. Katie on March 16, 2013 7:02 am

    Hi Rim, I read your weBsite and I think It is great. I have been to Costa Rica in the past and absolutely loved it. My boyfriend and I are planning on traveling there for our wedding. We have a 6 month old now but he will be about 16 months when we actually go. I did not find any information on Typhoid on your site. I was wondering what the rate of actual infection is, Thanks so much!