Ecuador And Galapagos Travel - Health

Health considerations in the Developing World, especially in tropical areas, differ substantially from those that travelers face in North America and Europe. South American travelers need to be particularly cautious with respect to what they eat and drink and to insect bites. Hepatitis A and Typhoid Fever are the two most common diseases transmitted through food and water. Yellow Fever and Malaria are the most common diseases transmitted by insects.

As tempting as it may look, it's best to avoid food cooked by street vendors.
EcuadorExplorer.com's health section provides an overview of these and other medical considerations for those traveling in Ecuador. In addition to reading the information we provide, you may want to consult our recommended reading list, which includes a number of excellent web sites and books on staying healthy abroad.

Health is always an issue of concern for people traveling abroad. Most travelers stay healthy throughout their journeys and return home as fit as ever. You have little to worry about if you educate yourself and take sensible precautions.

Immunizations (CDC Recommended Vaccines)
See your doctor at least 4 weeks before your trip to allow time for immunizations to take effect, and make sure children get immunizations appropriate for their age.
Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG).
Hepatitis B, if you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, stay more than 6 months in the region, or be exposed through medical treatment.
Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting developing countries in this region.
Yellow fever vaccination, if you will be traveling outside urban areas.
As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles.
Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation, or if you a plan to spend a lot of time in the country or the rainforest.
Other vaccinations in the event of epidemics.

1. Get the recommended immunizations (see above);
2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
3. Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it;
4. If visiting an area where there is risk for malaria, take your malaria prevention medication before, during, and after travel, as directed by your doctor;
5. Don't share needles with anyone;
6. To avoid bites and serious diseases, don't handle animals (especially monkeys, dogs, and cats);
7. Bring enough of any prescription medications you need to take;
8. Don't have unprotected sex; and
9. Educate yourself!