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Thursday, August 21, 2014

Travel Costa Rica Safety Tips

If you plan to travel Costa Rica, there are a few things that you should know in order to make your visit to this fascinating Central American country not only more enjoyable but safer as well.

While is generally much calmer than some of its neighbors, it must be recognized that this beautiful and lush country is still far different than many other tourist hot spots across the world.

First, the weather is significantly different than what you may be accustomed to so it’s a good idea to understand up front that there are really only two seasons in Costa Rica and these are wet and dry. If you travel from December to April, you will likely encounter the wet season. This means that you should plan to pack sturdy rain gear. During the remainder of the year, the weather tends to be dry. For the most part, this is the only seasonal weather difference that you will find when you travel throughout the country. The mountain rangers tend to experience temperatures that are cooler, while the coasts are hotter. Expect temperature ranges between 60 and 80 in the mountains and 70 to 85 along the coasts. In addition, the low lying areas can be quite humid.

You should also anticipate the fact that you may become exposes to certain local health conditions when you travel . With the lush beauty of this country, that is certainly no reason to delay your visit; but it is a good idea to be forewarned so that you can take appropriate pre-cautions.

One health condition that you should be on the lookout for is known as Dengue fever. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for this disease but by knowing how to spot the symptoms, you can take precautions to keep from contracting it and know how to treat it if you should come down with it. The disease is transmitted by a specific mosquito, which tends to be most active during the day. Some of the symptoms of this disease include a high fever, nausea, vomiting, headache and joint/muscle pains. Individuals who have contracted dengue fever may also develop a small rash. If you believe that you have contracted Dengue fever, seek medical attention and avoid aspirin.

Cholera and Malaria are two other diseases that tend to be present in some countries, such as . Fortunately, you can take tablets to prevent developing Malaria, which is contracted from mosquito bites. Symptoms include fever, chills, diarrhea, headache and abdominal pains. The best course of action to prevent Malaria is to wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers, use mosquito repellants with DEET and avoid perfumes and colognes.

Cholera is transmitted from one person to the next by passing bacteria in direct contact. It can also be contracted by contact with contaminated food and water, especially seafood. Fortunately, there is a relatively low risk of developing cholera when you travel . It can be prevented by avoiding seafood and taking precautions with hygiene as well as ensuring that only drink distilled water. While there is a vaccine available, it is believed to not be highly effective. 












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