Diseases, Medicines, and Inoculations for Travel in Costa Rica
Mosquito-borne illnesses
Costa Rica had been relatively free of dangerous parasite diseases (malaria, dengue, yellow fever, typhoid) for a long time. In 1996, dengue and malaria reappeared in the two port cities (Puntarenas and Limon), and are pretty much contained to those areas. There have been occasional “outbreaks” of dengue, which, according to the Center for Disease Control, is considered an “occupational” disease, meaning people who work in urban poor areas are the most likely to encounter the type of poor sanitation and drainage that breeds this type of mosquito.
The malarial strain in Costa Rica is different from South America’s newer “drug-resistant” strain and requires a less controversial medication. There is preventive medication available, but the side effects of nausea may be worse than the risk of infection would warrant. We recommend you discuss with your doctor whether to take anti-malarial medication. For information, none of the Serendipity guides uses anti-malaria medication nor has any of our guides contracted malaria in Costa Rica.
The best prevention for mosquito-borne illnesses is to avoid mosquito bites. Use mosquito repellent (Serendipity guides will have some on hand, but if you have sensitive skin you may want to provide your own), and wear clothes that cover your skin.
Hepatitis
Whereas the incidence of Hepatitis A and B is low in Costa Rica, there have been recent outbreaks in the USA — Detroit, Miami, New Orleans, and other cities. Worldwide, Hepatitis is a serious disease, affecting millions. There are now vaccines for both Hepatitis A and B, and we encourage everyone to get the inoculations, which protect you for 10 years to life and will be really handy someday when you venture to Mardi Gras or the Auto Show. Some rivers in Costa Rica have had Hepatitis show up in analysis, but none of the Caribbean slope whitewater rivers (Pacuare, Sarapiquí, Peñas Blancas, Pejibaye) have ever tested “positive” for Hepatitis.
Tetanus
Be sure to have your TETANUS inoculation brought up to date. Tetanus lives in the soil, and you’re virtually guaranteed to scrape a knee or the like while in Costa Rica doing silly adventure stuff.
Cholera
Thanks to good sanitation and clean water supplies, Cholera is virtually unheard of in Costa Rica. It is not, however, unheard of in Nicaragua, and if you spend time in Nicaragua prior to visiting Costa Rica you may be asked for proof of immunization.
Leptospirosis
While you are on the CDC site, look at their page on Leptospirosis.
Coronavirus
We have a complete guide on the status of Coronavirus in Costa Rica