Aruba · Tourism · Your Health and Safety

Your Health and Safety

Aruba Tourism Information

Aruba is one of the safest vacation spots in the world. There are no health requirements when visiting Aruba. But, you should be up on all of your immunizations just for your own precautions. Aruba has been known to have experienced occasional outbreaks of Dengue Fever, which is a flu-like illness transmitted mosquitoes so you should remember to bring along your insect repellant. You should also be aware that some types of fish, including some tropical reef fish, are poisonous when eaten, even if they have cooked.

The recommended immunizations for traveling to Aruba include:

• Hepatitis A for anyone over the age of two and should be given two to four weeks before you leave.
• Tetanus-diphtheria for anyone traveling abroad that has not gotten the immunization in the last 10 years.
• Measles for anyone born after 1956.
• Varicella (chickenpox) for anyone over the age of one year.
• Hepatitis B if you may have any contact with the local residents or in case of blood transfusions or possibly an injection.

You should be warned that some insect bites carry Filariasis and leishmaniasis and occur in this region. But, that is not a big problem; just remember to use your insect repellant to ensure your safety.

Travelers' diarrhea is the number one illness in travelers, no matter where they travel. This illness can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which can be found in water and food all over the world. It would be wise to carry with you some anti-diarrhea medication and use if you begin to have problems. The water and food in Aruba are very safe, but it is always better to safe than sorry. Each person can have a different reaction to different items. . If you have more than three loose stools in an 8 hour period you should immediately begin this mediation. If the symptoms persist you begin vomiting you should contact the hospital or medical center for antibiotic medicine.

There is a hospital in Aruba that is very modern and has full service. The name of the hospital is Dr. Horacio E. Oduber Hopital. Health insurance is recommended for anyone traveling to foreign countries. The telephone number for the hospital is 874300. For the medical center in San Nicolas the number is 848833. There are two ambulance services one in Oranjestad (telephone 821234) district and one in San Nicolas (telephone 845050).

You can also find information for traveling abroad at http://travel.state.gov; they have current worldwide public announcements, travel warnings and public announcements. This will also keep you up to date on any health and safety information you may need before traveling to Aruba.

Crime in Aruba is very low. But, there have been a few incidents of theft of items left unattended at the beaches, in your car, or in the hotel lobby. Of course, there have been thefts of hotel rooms and rental car thefts. But, the best way to protect yourself against crime is in the prevention. . It is best if you do not travel with valuables, if you must then it is best to place them in a safety deposit box at your hotel. Do not carry around large sums of cash and only get out just enough cash to pay for your purchase. When you are going to the beach do not carry such items such as your wallet, purse, money, keys or other items that could easily picked up. If you leave items unattended you are just asking for them to be taken. For other information on security you can call 1-888-407-4747. If you do have any problems you can contact the local police by dialing 100 or 115.

Just use common sense, crime can happen in your own neighborhood. Preventing a crime from happening by paying attention to what you are doing and what others are doing is the best way to keep yourself save.