Hi all. We're leaving tomorrow (very excited!) and have one last minute question. The CDC website indicates risk of malaria in Costa Rica. We'll be in Tamarindo, Arenal, and the central valley. Does anyone know if there is risk in these areas?

The CDC makes mention even though the risk is only miniscule. After all, if there are mosquitoes, there is that risk. So the CDC has to cover themselves, of course. You don't need to worry about it.

Occasionally, there is a greater than usual risk of dengue fever (which is also caused by mosquito bites), but that risk is very minimal. I know of 2 people who have had it--one was a local who got it at age 25 for the first time in his life and the other a visitor who got very unlucky!

Use a good 25% or more DEET repellant and you'll be fine. One of the brands recommended is Ultrathon. You can buy it at Wal-Mart or similar places.

There were several cases of malaria around Jaco while we were in Quepos a couple years ago. Apparently, the infected people were young folks sleeping on the beach. Jean

thanks for the tip. i think i will take my chances, since the malaria meds give me nightmares. shillmac, you're right - DEET should be a good precaution, and i'll just be on the lookout for any suspicious symptoms. thanks for your advice, i'll report on the trip when we return!

Yes, do that, and have a great time! Buen viaje!

And what would the symptoms be?

The symptoms don't sound fun. If you type in "malaria" into any search engine on-line, it will bring up lots of official sites on malaria.