Health, Safety & Security
Health & Safety in Costa Rica
The U.S. Department of State Costa Rica Travel Advisory describes the health and safety situation in different parts of Costa Rica.
Consult your physician about your health in light of your travel plans and review your vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information on recommended vaccinations for travel to Costa Rica at CDC Health Information for Travelers to Costa Rica.
If you get sick, please let your trip leader or CGEE staff know right away. This will help to pinpoint problems with food and water. They can arrange for a COVID-19 test or a visit to a doctor or medical clinic if necessary.
Possible Ailments in Costa Rica
COVID-19: Read CDC information on COVID-19 in Costa Rica.
Traveler’s Diarrhea: Just the change in food, water, and climate can lead to an upset stomach. If you get diarrhea, treat it with Pepto-Bismol and drink lots of water. When you are ready to eat again, start with rice, bread, crackers, and broth (bring bouillon cubes or dry soup). Imodium (Loperamide is the generic equivalent) is a stronger medication to be used only when absolutely necessary. It does not cure diarrhea but slows down the digestive system, which can lead to other problems. Herbal teas such as ginger root, raspberry, comfrey, and peppermint are thought to aid in the prevention and treatment of diarrhea. Feel free to bring some tea bags with you.
Hepatitis A: Studies have shown that many cases of travel-related Hepatitis A happen to travelers in developing countries with “standard” itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behavior. According to the CDC, getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against Hepatitis A.
Typhoid: Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food and/or water, or directly between people. The CDC recommends a typhoid vaccination for travelers to rural areas in Costa Rica.
Zika Virus: Please review updates on the Zika Virus in Costa Rica.
Dengue: Please review information on Dengue and how to prevent mosquito bites that transmit the virus.
