The CDC suggests that immunizations and be discussed with a doctor four to six weeks before travel to Ecuador. (Photo: Jeffrey Hamilton/Lifesize/Getty Images )
Ecuador, a Pacific coast country in South America, can provide a diverse travel experience for the adventurous traveler with access to the Amazon rainforest, Andes mountains and Pacific coast beaches. Travelers should take proper precautions when traveling to Ecuador's forested regions and small towns due to typhoid risks and foodborne illnesses. Make sure to check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, commonly referred to as the CDC, for any changes regarding healthy travel to Ecuador.
Oral Medication for Malaria
Malaria is passed to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes and can cause extremely high fevers and even death. To prevent malaria, take routine precautions such as spraying clothes and skin with insect repellent and avoiding marshy areas or junkyards with standing water. Standing water provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Doctors can prescribe oral medication taken before, during, and after your stay depending on the degree of concern for contracting malaria. Prescriptions should be followed exactly as ordered. Do not use malaria drugs prescribed previously for other regions of the world as they may not work for malaria in Ecuador.
Yellow Fever
According to the CDC, the vaccination for yellow fever may be required depending on which part of Ecuador travelers will visit. The vaccination is especially recommended for visitors to the eastern portion of the country but is not recommended for children under the age of 1. Please check with a pediatrician regarding prevention and care if taking a small infant into Eastern Ecuador. If visiting only the Galapagos Islands, this vaccination is not required.
Rabies
The concern for rabies in Ecuador stems from the existence of the bat population. This vaccination is exceptionally important to travelers planning a visit to any towns that may be rural and close to areas with caves and forests. Make sure to receive this vaccine before tent camping and consult a pediatrician regarding the vaccination of children who may come in contact with indigenous animals, including mammals and domestic pets.
Typhoid
Typhoid can be spread through food and water that has been ill-prepared and come into contact with the bacteria Salmonella Typhi. This disease is treatable if antibiotics are administered, but it's best to avoid contracting the disease by being vaccinated in advance. In addition to vaccinations, make sure to only consume purified or boiled water and that includes washing fruits and vegetables with boiled water. Travelers should not consume water that may have come in contact with sewage or consume food handled by a person known to have typhoid.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A also infects travelers through food and drinking water and can cause serious diarrhea, an upset stomach and eventually jaundice. Avoid drinking water from a bucket or from streams and rivers and make sure to boil any water that may have come from those sources. All food handlers should wash properly before preparation. Many travelers believe that this disease can only occur in rural areas, but it can spread in the priciest resorts. Although the incidence of death is very low for most healthy adults, a vaccination before travel to Ecuador is suggested.
Hepatitis B
Most travelers do not think that this vaccination is necessary since this disease is contracted by sharing bodily fluids such as through sexual contact or via sharing of needles. However, what most travelers don't realize is that there is the slight chance of contracting this from contaminated medical supplies if medical care is necessary. For example, Hepatitis B can be contracted if a medical instrument is not properly sterilized and then used on the unsuspecting traveler. To be on the safe side, complete the required series of shots before traveling to Ecuador and other developing nations.
Routine Vaccinations
Citizens of Western developed nations do not normally come into contact with Typhoid or Yellow Fever and likely understand why those vaccinations are required for travel to Ecuador. However, it is just as important to be caught up on routine Western nation vaccinations before leaving the country. Tetanus, usually administered with Pertussis and Diphtheria vaccines, is especially important if visiting a developing nation with the potential to come into contact with rust or broken building materials. Doctors also recommend making sure travelers are up to date on the Polio vaccine and the MMR vaccine series or boosters. The chickenpox vaccine is also suggested for those that have not had the virus and are of age.
Zika Virus
Make sure to take all steps to prevent mosquito bites during a trip to Ecuador. It is also recommended that partners use condoms during their trip use condoms to prevent the sexual transmission of Zika. The CDC recommends special precaution for pregnant women, the partners of pregnant women and those considering pregnancy.
References
Writer Bio
Victoria Ross began her career as a freelance writer in 2010 and has been published on Popeater, Gadling and AOL Travel. Ross holds a Bachelor of Science in education from Eastern Illinois University and a Master of Arts in communication from the University of Illinois at Springfield.