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Costa Rica/Mosquito borne disease in costa rica

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Expert: - 12/28/2011


Question
A young man we know  (a microbiologist) told us that there is a mosquito borne disease in costa rica that can be fatal . It's not Maleria. Is this true? have you any knowledge of this?

Thanks,

Stan Applebaum

Answer
Dear Stan,

I believe the disease he is referring to is dengue fever, caused by the aedes aegypti mosquito. The disease usually causes headaches and body aches and then goes away. But if you catch it a second time, it can turn into hemorrhagic dengue, and that can be fatal in some cases. There is no immunization for dengue. Read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dengue_fever

Most tourist places make an effort to reduce mosquito habitat and use screens on the windows or mosquito nets. Just wear long pants and long sleeves at dawn and dusk, when the mosquitoes are more active. Plus insect repellent.

It is much more prevalent and much less dangerous in its initial form, than malaria.

Happy New Year!

Beatrice Blake
www.keytocostarica.com

Costa Rica

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Beatrice Blake

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I can recommend the best places to visit with children in Costa Rica, based on their ages and the family`s interests and budget. My two children were born in Costa Rica and I have traveled with them all over the country while doing research for my guidebook, The New Key to Costa Rica. I also help people (with or without children) pick the best and most responsible ecotourism destinations and can advise them on the best ways to get around within the time they have.

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