Costa Rica Health

Health

Costa Rica is possibly the most sanitary of Central American nations. Tap water in San José is safe to drink but you may wish to employ caution elsewhere, although simply asking locals is the water is potable might be enough caution. If you are hiking and camping, either drink boiled water or have iodine tablets available. If the taste perturbs you, add a bit of powdered drink mix or squeeze a lemon or lime into your water glass or bottle. Take fundamental precautions such as washing your hands and pocketknife before peeling fruit.

Hospitals and clinics in Costa Rica use sterilized equipment, you may want to bring sealed hypodermic syringes anyway. HIV and AIDS (SIDA) is present in the country but it is not prevalent, common cautions, such as condoms are a wise idea, especially in some of the popular beach towns. Not all the condoms sold in Costa Rica are you find at home, but there are some imported well-known brands in the market too.