Since the summer hit ‘The Puerto Rico song’, Puerto Rico has been put on the map! Situated in the Caribbean this island hosts some of the best beaches in the world. If you are off to check it out, here’s what you need to know before you go! 

Book a travel health consultation. This can help you check that your routine vaccinations are up to date and identify any additional vaccines you may need. An up-to-date Tetanus vaccine is recommended, and other vaccines such as Hepatitis A, Rabies and Dengue may be required depending on your travel itinerary and current health status.

Don’t want to do just tourist stuff? 

If you are planning to travel around the island independently staying in various locations and accommodation you need to be extra vigilant. Puerto Rico has a risk of mosquito-borne infections including Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya.  

All travellers long or short stay to the island should protect themselves against mosquito bites.  

  • Use an effective insect repellent such as 50% DEET or picaridin on exposed skin. 
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs as much as you can and consider treating with permethrin to kill mosquitos on contact. 
  • If staying in accommodation with air conditioning, keep windows and doors closed. 
  • Consider treated mosquito nets where appropriate, particularly when there is no air conditioning and mosquitos can easily enter the room. 

The mosquitoes responsible for Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya predominantly bite during the daylight hours, so it is important to ensure you apply plenty of insect repellent and reapply frequently if swimming or perspiring.  

If you are pregnant or, planning pregnancy you should seek travel health advice regarding Zika virus before travel. Our clinicians can advise you. 

Wild place to vacation

Rabies is considered a risk on the island so all travellers should avoid contact with animals including bats. All travellers should consider rabies vaccination. A full course of pre-exposure vaccines before travel provides protection and simplifies post-exposure treatment. It also removes the need for rabies immunoglobulin, which is in short supply globally. 

If there is a bite, scratch or lick to an open wound you must: 

  • Immediately wash the wound with clean running water, apply an antiseptic iodine or an alcohol-based antiseptic. 
  • Go to hospital as quickly as you can for medical assessment and post exposure rabies treatment.  

If you are not vaccinated, you will need to start post-exposure treatment as soon as possible. Rabies infection is always fatal if treatment is not received. Never ignore any contact bite or lick from an animal on an open wound or mucosa such as eyes, nose or mouth. 

Slot machines in the bus station! 

There will always be some trying their luck. Petty theft, pickpocketing, and luggage snatching are not uncommon in crowded areas like transit hubs and bus stops. It is important to be vigilant and be aware of distraction ploys.   

  • Avoid Displaying Wealth Don’t wear expensive or flashy jewellery, be discreet with high-value cameras and smartphones. 
  • Never leave bags unattended in public places. Keep bags safely on your person where you can see them. 
  • Secure Your Valuables: Use hotel safes for passports and valuable items.  

Drink responsibly 

Puerto Rico is famous for its Rum and inventing the famous Pina Colada cocktail. It is part of the experience to enjoy the cocktail and drinks on offer, but it is important to drink responsibly. Drinking too much alcohol can leave you vulnerable and impair judgment. This can lead to accidents and dangerous situations. Always stick to well-lit, populated areas after dark and avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or poorly lit streets. 

All of this in Puerto Rico! 

Puerto Rico has well-established tourism services, modern healthcare that is to US standards and reliable transportation, making it a safe and welcoming destination for tourists. Like any destination, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.  

Remember that all important travel insurance, a medical kit and to seek travel health advice before you travel. We are here to help. Make a booking today. 

References 

https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/182/puerto-rico#Other_Risks
https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/info/facts-about-puerto-rico