Risk of Disease & Illness

Last activity 21 November 2011 by vinny66

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charhoitMember20 November 2011 11:25:48

Hello Everyone!
I am reading a book, Culture Shock: Ecuador that has caused a red flag to go up for me. The book was last updated in 2006 and I would like a more current view on potential diseases. In the book he write for Coastal areas that you must ALWAYS have chemical mosquito protectant on....on your skin, on your clothes, the house must be constantly spraid. In addition he says you should be on pills for Malaria and discusses the nasty side effects that the are not for long term use. I have read that 97% of all produce is organic in Ecuador yet he says they fertilize their produce with human feces. You must never eat from a street vendor, eat fresh salads at restaurants and must peel everything before eating. The same line of thought for water, never get anything with ice in it and boil all water.

So. I would like to hear from someone living there about these issues. What do you do in your daily life ?
Thanks
Char

vinny66Serial expat21 November 2011 14:54:58

479

This info is totally exaggerated.

Yes, there's mosquitos in the coast region, but not in all the areas. And not all day. Millions of people live there and is not a big problem. You have to learn how to deal with them.

About malaria, is the same as mosquitos, there is some risk in some small, rural areas but that's it.

And about the fertilizers it makes no sense, is it will be real everybody will be sick here, and is not happening.
Farmers use organic fertilize, mostly cows, or chemical fertilizers like in other countries.

If you're coming from another country you have to take few precautions like, yes, don't eat from street vendors and don't drink from the tap. But restaurants are vey safe.

Don't worry, visit us.

Vinny

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