Costa Rica recently confirmed its first two cases of swine flu a 21-year-old Costa Rican woman and a 28-year-old man. They both flew from Mexico to Costa Rica on separate flights. They are no longer in danger and have responded well to their treatments. No antiviral medications were considered necessary. They are in stable conditions and have been instructed by health officials to isolate themselves and remain in their homes.
Costa Rica is taking precautions to prevent widespread infection of the swine flu, just as in most other countries in the world are doing. Airlines are offering all passengers face masks to protect them from possible infection. The ministry of health is placing alcohol gel dispensers in all its medical centers for public use and is encouraging people in Costa Rica to avoid hand-shaking and kissing.
Costa Rica’s president Oscar Arias said: “Today I want to assure you that I have full confidence in the capacity of our country to be a leader in this health emergency. No nation in the world, even the most developed, can avoid (this) virus. But an organized country, a country with a health system like Costa Rica, can defeat this epidemic (and ensure) it doesn’t have severe consequences.”
Tropical Adventures is not canceling any volunteer trips planned in Costa Rica at this point. Safety of our volunteers has always been our primary concern. Off course we will monitor the situation and we will be taking any necessary precautions. We have to remember that there are more confirmed cases of Swine flu in the US and Europe than in the whole of Central America.
If you or your family have any questions about this situation or any other, please don’t hesitate to contact info@TropicalAdventures.com or call us from the US or Canada at 1-800-832-9419 or internationally at +506 2-574-4412. We will be happy to answer your questions or clear up any doubts.
Lastly we want to thank VIDA for giving us information about this subject and letting us use it in our blog.