Bugs/Malaria in Guanacaste
 

Hey everyone,
Thanks for all of the great info. It has been really helpful for planning our trip.

For those of you who have just returned from the Guanacaste area (hermosa, nosara, tamarindo, rincon de la vieja) I wanted to see your thoughts on taking malaria pills. We are going on June 5th with our 4 and 6 year old and trying to decide if we should have them take chloroquin. Also, has anyone ever given chloroquin to their kids?

Thanks for your help. Look for my trip report sometime at the end of June.

I wasn't going to reply thinking someone else would surely answer you sooner! I just don't know of anyone who takes malaria pills for Costa Rica. It is more a second world country than a third (if there is such a thing). We have been several times and only use a little repellant sometimes! You guys will be fine! Have a great time!

I agree with Shillmac, malaria is not a problem that I know of in CR and I have never heard of anyone suggesting that you need to take precautions for this. Bugs, however, are everywhere, but for me they were never a problem except at the beach where there seemed to be "noseeums" of the ankle-biter variety but some Off or other bug repellant worked pretty good at keeping them away. Don't let these problems bother you too much - as has been noted, CR is pretty civilized now, so much so that some find it kinda boring! LOL! Don't worry, enjoy yourselves with the Ticos, some of the nicest people in the world!

There were several cases of malaria in the Jaco area a couple of years ago. Apparently, young people who were sleeping on the beach. A little common sense and some Deet will go a long way in preventing problems.

Jean

Just back from playa panama on 5/12.
We had no problems with bugs during the
day (too hot for them). At night there
were quite a few that came to the windows
of our house, along with little frogs
and lizards to eat them.

Also no problems in coco at night in
the outdoor restuarants.

I didn't even use any bug spray, just
stayed in at night.