Do you need a maleria shot before going to Costa Rica?

Question

Do you need a maleria shot before going to Costa Rica?

Answer 1

you need every vaccine that exists and no matter what DONT DRINK THE WATER, BUY IMPORTED BOTTLED WATER, if not u will have diarhea for 2 weeks..be careful with the meat too and I also advise you bring a gun, but DO NOT HIRE A LOCAL AS A BODYGUARD. good luck i hope u make it back ;)

Answer 2

I've been to Costa Rica on vacation and I did not need or take any anti-malaria drugs.

If you are going, you will love it there!  The people are really friendly, and the food is EXCELLENT!

If you are concerned, following is a link to the CDC website on Malaria in Costa Rica/Central America.

(I did get the Hepatitis vaccines.)

Answer 3

No.  I'm getting ready to go on May 5 and have already researched this.

Answer 4

you can take pills for six weeks instead of a shot and i've done the pills and its not that bad.

Answer 5

i dont know what maleria is but my mom was going to Costa Rica and she need some kind of shot. is that a bad thing?

Answer 6

ROFLMAO!

Hardly!

I have been going to Costa Rica every year for the last twelve years and I never ever heard of anyone getting or even having malaria there and there certainly are no requirements imposed by either the United States or Costa Rica that people coming into the country get them.

I think someone is pulling your leg!

As far as their water goes - it is the purest water in all of Central America and tastes great!  Especially when they use it in their Beers that are absolutely out of this world!

VIVA LA PURA VIDA!

Answer 7

I am pretty sure you do.  I would take all precautions when travelling abroad.  You may want a hepitiis shot as well.  Those are in increments of 3 monthly shots.  You definatly need those.  Have a great trip!

Answer 8

I have been to Costa Rica several times and never had a malaria shot. Now if you are planning on hiking in the rainforest for days, get one for pre-caution!

Answer 9

YES you do. everyone gets one

Answer 10

Normally the answer is No.   1st malaria mosquitos live below 700 meters in elevation so much of the country is too high.  2nd.  they have eradicated malarial mosquitos in most of the coastal areas of Costa Rica so there is no danger there.  

HOWEVER there are some rural areas that do have some malaria (however it is not the chloroquine resistant kind) so if  you are going there, you should take chlorquine.  These areas are 1) along the Rio San Juan (border with Nicaragua) and  near the border with Panama and in the Talamanca mountains  on the Atlantic side(lower elevations).