I have heard from some people and recently read that you can get Malaria or other diseases from the mosquitos in Costa Rica. If so, what is the alternative to DEET. I have asthma and sensitive skin. My family is worried. Can anyone answer this question? I appreciate your comments.

Where in Costa Rica are you going? There have only been outbreaks in very limited areas.

Here's the map: http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/.../costarica.htm

If I was going to either of the malaria areas, I'd take the chloroquine instead of using DEET, as it's side effects scare me more than chloroquine. Plus, to me, you're better protected with the drug versus bug spray.

We are going to the Central Pacific area and may be going to Nicoya and Arenal as well. What do you think about mosquitos in those areas? Thanks.

You're hitting pretty well-trod spots that most visiters hit, malaria isn't prevelant in those areas. I wouldn't take the meds, personally, but if it makes you feel better to take them I would.

The problem is, whether you take the malaria meds or not, you still need something to protect you from bug bites - dengue is carried by mosquitos as well and there is no vaccine for that. I try to buy many products that are organic/natural as possible but the couple I've tried without deet haven't protected me as well those with it. If you do find a good product sans deet, let us know!

Hills27 and Tully

Thanks for the map and advise! I will let you know if I find any good product sans deet!

Stevies mom

I've used Cutter Advanced with Picaridin (made from black pepper) with great success. The research shows that it is very effective.

Hi, Hills27,

Please excuse my ignorance on this one. What is cutter advanced with Picaridin? Thanks for your help........also where my I purchase? Thanks.

It's a bug spray without DEET. I know they sell it at Walgreen's. You only need a small bottle. A little goes a long way.

Whatever you buy, make sure you pack it in a ziplock. I'd double up, too. Bug spray is oily, leaks easily, and will ruin your clothes and suitcase if it spills.

So, if we go to Cano Negro we should be taking malaria pills?

Everyone has to make their own decision based on input from their doctor, their health (immune system), their age, where they are going, for how long, their tolerance for medication, etc.

My understanding was that the northern outbreak was in Los Chiles, but an outbreak by Costa Rican standards is nothing by African or Brazilian standards. Plus, the risk of plasmodium falciparum (the most dangerous form of Malaria) is miniscule.

So, while I took anti-malaria meds when I went to South Africa in the dry season (as PF is very prevalent), I wouldn't take them if I were going to Cano Negro. But I might if I were elderly or had a compromised immune system and were going to Los Chiles.

Hills27,

Thanks for your reply and comment on this. We will take your advise!