Medical stuff: Questions about vaccines and malaria

The two most common medical queries we get at Costa Rica Outward Bound:

1. “Do I need any vaccinations?”
2. “Is malaria a problem?  Do I need to get anti-malarial drugs?”

1. Do I need any vaccinations?

Costa Rica Outward Bound only requires that all students have their diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine.     

However, Costa Rica Outward Bound suggests you schedule a visit with your doctor or local travel medicine clinic, ideally, 4 to 6 weeks before your trip, because your health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, as well as the areas of the country you will be visiting.  You might still benefit from shots or medications and other information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling.

2. “Is malaria a problem?  Do I need to get anti-malarial drugs?”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there have been some reported incidences of malaria in the mostly rural, and some coastal, areas of Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.  To date, no one on a CRROBS course (including Field and Base staff) has ever experienced a bout of malaria.

However, Costa Rica Outward Bound suggests you schedule a visit with your doctor, or preferably, a local travel medicine clinic, ideally, 4 to 6 weeks before your trip, because should you decide to take medicine to prevent malaria, you need to allow time for the medicine to take effect.

Other effective ways to prevent malaria include the following:

• Using insect repellent and wearing long pants and sleeves to prevent mosquito bites
• Sleeping in well-screened rooms, or using mosquito-nets

Again, a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine will be able to determine what is best for you, depending on factors such as your health, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities.