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What to do if you get diarrhea in Costa Rica?

The BRAT diet is commonly recommended for diarrhea: bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Eat small amounts frequently rather than whole meals. Call the doctor when you see signs of dehydration, bloody stools or fever.



If you contract "Traveler's Diarrhea" in Costa Rica, the most critical step is aggressive rehydration using bottled water or oral rehydration salts (ORS), which are available at local pharmacies known as farmacias. You should avoid tap water in rural areas and stick to a "BRAT" diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) while symptoms persist. Most cases are mild and resolve within 24–48 hours; however, you can find over-the-counter medications like loperamide (Imodium) for symptomatic relief. If you experience a high fever, bloody stools, or severe abdominal pain, you should seek medical attention at a local Clínica or Ebais. Costa Rica has an excellent healthcare system, and many pharmacists are trained to provide consultations for minor ailments and can dispense appropriate antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected. Always ensure you have travel insurance that covers "outpatient" visits just in case.

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Traveler's diarrhea may get better without any treatment. But while you're waiting, it's important to try to stay hydrated with safe liquids, such as bottled water or water with electrolytes such as an oral rehydration solution (see below).

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Water or an oral rehydration solution is best. Drink at least 1 cup (240 milliliters) of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement. Eat small meals every few hours instead of three big meals. Eat some salty foods, such as pretzels, crackers, soup, and sports drinks.

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Who gets traveler's diarrhea? Gastrointestinal infection can happen to anyone, anywhere. At home, we might call it food poisoning or a stomach flu. But it's easier to get it during international travel, when you're more likely to be exposed to pathogens that may be less commonly transmitted at home.

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Seek medical attention if you have bloody diarrhea, high fever, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, profuse sweating, or signs of dehydration.

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