Curacao Health and Medical

Travelers should take precautions to stay healthy in Cura�ao

A Healthy Outlook

When traveling to any foreign country, it's wise to be aware of the health risks involved. While one of the main hazards of visiting Cura�ao can be the sun, travelers should be aware of other dangers that could pose a risk to their health.

While Cura�ao is generally considered to be a safe place for tourists, vacationers should consult their doctor or government health officials for information on needed vaccinations and health risks. Vaccinations and medications can prevent travelers from getting so sick that they require emergency medical attention or transportation back home while on vacation in Cura�ao.

Travelers from the United States should check with their health care professional to make sure they are up-to-date on vaccinations such as Hepatitis A, tetanus, and the flu, although these are not mandatory vaccinations for traveling to Cura�ao. Travelers coming from regions where yellow fever is present must show proof of vaccination before being allowed to enter Cura�ao. Thankfully, yellow fever, malaria, rabies, typhoid, and various strains of Hepatitis are generally considered not to be a problem for visitors to Cura�ao, but travelers should consult their health care professionals and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov) for up-to-date information. Travelers should also take precautions against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

The sun can be a potential health hazard for travelers in Cura�ao. Visitors should take precautions to protect themselves from the harsh Caribbean sun by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, aloe vera, and hats. Travelers should stay hydrated and beware of symptoms such as dizziness that can preclude sun poisoning and sun stroke.

Mosquitoes can also be problematic in Cura�ao, and cases of dengue fever have been reported. When mosquitoes are apparent on the island, travelers are strongly advised to wear long sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and hats, and to also use an insect repellent containing DEET. Travelers who will be sleeping where mosquitoes could get to them should invest in a mosquito net.

Travelers should also use common sense when eating or drinking in Cura�ao. Tap water is sea water that has been distilled in a local factory and is considered safe. Bottled water is also widely available. Travelers should always be cautious of purchasing food from street vendors, as conditions may not be sanitary. Ciguatera poisoning can also be a problem with many species of reef fish, and barracuda should be avoided. When it comes to other types of food, travelers should exercise common sense. Never eat uncooked food or fruit that has not been peeled and washed. Travelers who experience continued diarrhea should consult a health care professional.

Travelers who are visiting the Caribbean can consult their doctor for a list of recommended medications to take with them for complications that may arise during their travels. For longer stays, travelers should also have their prescription drugs filled for the duration of their stay. Americans who are traveling abroad should contact their health insurance company to research provisions for emergency medical coverage and care if a problem occurs while abroad. Travelers requiring hospital care or an emergency flight back to the United States can incur substantial medical bills. Travelers whose health insurance companies do not provide provisions for emergency medical coverage should consider obtaining some other form of travel insurance. Travelers may also wish to consult the Bureau of Consular Affairs medical information page for foreign travel (http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1185.html). If you need to purchase medicine while in Cura�ao, over the counter products can be bought at boticas. More serious medical care can be acquired at one of the island's hospitals or private clinics. Some of the island's medical facilities include:

St. Elisabeth's is considered the primary hospital on the island and has decompression facilities for scuba divers.

Travelers to Cura�ao should not encounter many serious health risks while visiting the island. Nevertheless, take care to protect yourself from the sun, mosquitoes, food toxins, and other threats while on vacation.

Print   Return to Normal View