Costa Rica, North America and Caribbean

Malaria Risk Travel Information

What is the risk of malaria in Costa Rica?

Limon Province (except for the city of Limon itself - Puerto Limon) requires Chloroquine (Avloclor).
All other rural areas below 500m, adopt Bite avoidance measures.

Antimalarials are advised in Costa Rica if you are visiting the risk areas. Please remember to also follow the bite avoidance measures below.

Please check HERE to see a malaria map of Costa Rica on fitfortravel (a NHS website).

What Malaria prophylaxis do I need to prevent malaria in Costa Rica?

You do not need a prescription to buy malaria medicine for Costa Rica

You can order the suitable malaria medicine for these areas by clicking on the following links.

Avloclor Tablets (Chloroquine)

We only dispense genuine UK licensed medicines.

So what else can I do to prevent malaria?

All travellers should however follow the bite avoidance measures below:

• Use mosquito nets impregnated with permethrin or Deltamethrin. These insecticides kill mosquitoes instantly by acting on their central nervous system. During daytime, tie the net in a knot and leave it hanging from the ceiling. At bedtime untie the net and check carefully for hidden mosquitoes or any tears. Holes or tears must be mended with adhesive tape or thread. Tuck the edge of the net under the mattress and make sure there are no openings.

• Use mosquito and insect killing or "knock down" products in the bedroom. Regular use of these products is necessary so that the product comes into contact with any new insects that enter the room. Our extensive range of insect and mosquito room insecticides can be found here.

• Apply insect repellent to all exposed areas of skin, avoiding eyes and mouth. Also apply to clothing, reapplying frequently in accordance with the manufacturers directions. We advise the use of N, N-diethylmetatoluamide (or DEET to you and me) containing products. DEET has been widely used for over 50 years and has quite clearly been shown to be one of the most effective repellent products. The use of 50% DEET products is usually sufficient in normal conditions. Our range of insect and mosquito repellent products can be found here.

• From sunset onwards here are a few free and easy tips to reduce the chance of getting bitten. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers, obvious, we know, but this will at least reduce skin available to be bitten. Wear Light colours as these attract mosquitoes less than dark clothing. Remember that aftershave and perfumes will tend to attract mosquitoes, so going without could help reduce the risk of being bitten.

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