What Sort of Tropical Diseases can be Found in Costa Rica?
Many foreigners ask about the incidence of infectious disease in Costa Rica. Although it is not unheard of, Malaria is extremely rare in this country because the country can afford to combat it. Even poorer parts of Costa Rica are still much more well off than the poorer parts of countries north of here such as Nicaragua and Honduras. Dengue Fever, another mosquito-born illness, does occur here although it is relatively rare. Here in Guanacaste, there is less dengue because of the drier climate. Generally, mosquitoes breed faster in wetter climates. They also need stagnant water to breed, and this part of Costa Rica, and particularly the beach towns, take great care to be sure that there is as little standing water around as possible. Preventative measures can be taken such as wearing bug spray and staying in doors around dusk, when mosquitoes tend to be most active. If one does contract dengue, a fever and soreness generally ensue, with the only remedy being rest, Tylenol, and lots of
