Panama: Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION ...... 2 PREVENTION OF INSECT-BORNE ILLNESSES ...... 2 PREVENTION OF FOOD- AND WATER-BORNE ILLNESSES ...... 3 OTHER DISEASES ...... 5 IMMUNIZATIONS ...... 6 IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE ...... 6

GENERAL INFORMATION To protect your health in , you need certain SIT Study Abroad programs may venture off the pre-departure immunizations followed by usual tourist track. Pay careful attention to reasonable health precautions while in the country. health and safety guidelines. The following health guidelines and requirements are based on years of experience and the current recommendations from the US Centers for Disease PREVENTION OF INSECT- Control and Prevention. They are designed to inform you of health concerns that may be present BORNE ILLNESSES in Panama especially as you venture to smaller Insect precautions are recommended for this cities off the usual tourist track, or spend time in program. There is no risk of in small villages and rural areas for extended periods. and the scheduled destinations of the program. Although no information sheet can address every CDC reports low risk of malaria in portions of conceivable contingency, the following health Comarca Guna Yala but this is mostly on the guidelines and requirements are an attempt to eastern side. Your 11-day program excursion to provide you with a standard, which if followed, Guna Yala is on the farthest western tip side. Insect should optimize good health during your stay precautions only against mosquito bites are usually abroad. sufficient for this program.

You may find that local customs and practice, as Personal Protective Measures well as varying US physicians’ approaches, at The following insect precautions should be times conflict with these guidelines. It is essential followed, especially after dark, to prevent mosquito that you review these health guidelines and bites that may transmit malaria: requirements with your physician, to discuss • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. individual issues such as pre-existing medical • Use insect repellents on skin and clothing. problems and allergies to specific drugs. Any DEET-containing products (e.g. Off, Off Deep further questions or concerns should be directed to Woods, Jungle Juice, and Muskol) may be used the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on skin in concentrations up to 30–40% and on (CDC) in Atlanta (www.cdc.gov/travel) or to your clothing in higher concentrations. Permethrin own physician. (Permanone) may also be used on clothing.

SIT Study Abroad suggests that if you have further questions, do not hesitate to contact the Malarial Division of CDC at 888-232-3228 for recorded

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information or visit the CDC website: characterized by severe hepatitis with fever. It may http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/travelers/index.html be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites (personal protective measures) and by getting the vaccination Dengue shots that are available at any yellow fever Dengue is a viral disease and is transmitted by vaccination center (consult your physician for the mosquitoes which bite primarily in the daytime. It nearest center). occurs in urban as well as rural areas especially in Please note: yellow fever is not a concern for the Bocas del Toro and Darién provinces. There is no scheduled program destinations. If you plan on licensed vaccine against it, but personal protective doing your Independent Study Project (ISP) in a measures against mosquito bites are effective in yellow fever risk area or plan to travel there after prevention (see under Personal Protective the program, we recommend the yellow fever measures). The disease causes considerable vaccination. discomfort (fever, body aching, but is self-limited in adults. (Cutaneous and Mucosal) Leishmaniasis is a protozoon that causes skin ulcers and is transmitted by the bite of sand Chikungunya is an arboviral infection that is flies and occurs primarily in forested areas transmitted by day-biting Aedes mosquitoes. It is throughout the country. Insect precautions are prevalent in tropical Africa and Asia, parts of recommended. Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Low risk exists throughout the country including Panama City. Symptoms are typically fever and PREVENTION OF FOOD- AND joint pain. There is no licensed vaccine against it, WATER-BORNE ILLNESSES but insect precautions and personal protective Tap water is generally safe to drink and cook with measures (especially during peak times (early in Panama City and other major cities and it is morning and late afternoon) are the main usually safe as well to eat fresh fruits, vegetables, prevention strategy. and salads and to put ice in your drinks. Food and water safety however, cannot be guaranteed from Zika street food purchases and the water quality is Zika is a viral infection that is also transmitted by variable in rural areas. the bite of the Aedes mosquitoes. Symptoms include mild fever, rash, conjunctivitis (red eyes), If you are unsure of the food and water quality in joint or muscle pain and headache. The disease the area you are visiting, check with a reliable causes considerable discomfort, but is mild and source before using. If in any doubt, take all the self-limited, lasting for several days to a week. recommended precautions and respect certain do’s There are no vaccines or medications available to and don’ts: prevent or treat Zika therefore students should be vigilant in using insect precautions and personal protection measures against day-biting mosquitoes (see insect precautions section above). CDC recommends that pregnant women consider postponing travel to countries where the Zika virus is prevalent.

Yellow Fever Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes that occurs only in parts of Africa and South America. It is a concern for all mainland areas east of the Canal Zone. Yellow fever is

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DO WASH your hands scrupulously with non- infection. Antibiotics are indicated for more severe contaminated water and soap before eating and cases of traveler’s diarrhea. snacking. A note on swimming: Avoid swimming or DO DRINK wading in fresh water. Many parasites and bacteria • Bottled or canned beverages (water, soda, soft live in water and can cause serious illness. Properly drinks, beer, wine) from a trusted source chlorinated pools and salt water are generally safe (ensure caps are sealed). from infectious diseases. • Hot beverages (coffee, tea). • Water that reached a rolling boil for at least one minute at sea level (longer at higher altitudes). • Carbonated mineral water.

DO EAT • Cooked vegetables, fruits with thick covering (citrus, bananas, and melons); and well-washed raw fruits and vegetables. • Meat or fish that is thoroughly cooked (pork and lamb should be very well done). • Pasteurized dairy products from large commercial dairies.

DON’T EAT • Unwashed raw fruits and vegetables. Typhoid Fever • Rare or raw meat or fish or shellfish. Typhoid is an infection caused by a particular • Dairy products from small, independent vendors species of the salmonella bacterium. It is spread by without pasteurizing facilities, including food of contaminated food and water. Symptoms include any kind that has been left out in the sun, fever, severe toxicity, rash, and in about half the especially custards, creams, and mayonnaise. cases, bloody diarrhea. Untreated, there is a 30% • Raw (unpasteurized) milk or milk products. mortality rate. Vaccines are 60–70% effective in prevention. One vaccine involves a single injection, There may be times when refusing an offer of food with immunity lasting 2 years. A second one is or beverage, will be considered rude. You must administered orally every other day for 4 doses, decide for yourself, but polite refusals, thought out and lasts 5 years. Antibiotic resistance has been in advance, are often handy. Discuss these developing, but treatment of the disease with alternatives with your Academic Director(s). certain well-known antibiotics is usually effective. As with all diarrheal illnesses, careful dietary Diarrhea-Producing Infections discretion continues to be the main line of defense. In Panama, there is a mild to moderate incidence of diarrhea among travelers. Most common is Hepatitis A “traveler’s diarrhea”, a self-limited diarrhea lasting Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that causes from a few to several days, characterized by liver inflammation. It is most commonly spread watery, non-bloody bowel movements. Traveler’s through contaminated food and water. Most diarrhea usually requires no treatment other than Americans have not previously been exposed to fluid replacement including ORS (World Health the hepatitis A virus and are at risk of contracting Organization’s oral rehydration solution, which the disease during travel to areas where the comes in package form). Antidiarrheals such as disease is more prevalent. A very effective vaccine Imodium or Lomotil may be used short-term in is available and should be administered 2–3 weeks some circumstances. Pepto Bismol in large prior to travel. amounts and certain antibiotics (doxycycline, sulfa- TMP, ciprofloxacin) can prevent or attenuate the

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OTHER DISEASES person. HIV is spread mainly by having anal or vaginal sex or sharing drug injection equipment Hepatitis B with a person who has HIV. AIDS is an acquired Hepatitis B is a serious and often chronic viral immune deficiency that can result in life- infection of the liver. Since this type of hepatitis is threatening infections and is the most advanced most often acquired from contact with infected stage of the HIV infection. It is the student's blood, sexual contact (as with HIV), or skin-to-skin responsibility to protect him /herself from acquiring contact of mutual open cuts and sores, appropriate the disease through sexual transmission. Students precautions to avoid these types of exposure are anticipating even the possibility of sexual activity necessary. This includes avoiding getting tattoos, are strongly urged to bring their own condom or ear/body piercings and avoiding cuddling supply. Other potential routes of infected blood children with sores or draining insect bites. A series transmission such as tattooing, body piercing, and of three immunizing injections is recommended. needle sharing must be strictly avoided. This series should be initiated as early as possible With regard to blood transfusions, our Academic so that at least two doses are taken prior to Directors have identified hospitals, through departure. This will provide partial protection. The consultation with the local US embassy, where safe third shot should be taken five months after the blood is available. In a life-threatening situation, the second dose, and may be given after returning risks versus benefits of an emergency blood home to achieve full, long-lasting immunity. An transfusion must be examined carefully and a accelerated schedule can also be used as an decision made based on the best information at alternative. hand.

Prevention of Animal Bites and Infections Tuberculosis Rabies risk occurs in limited areas of Panama Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial disease spread by (primarily via direct contact with bats and wildlife). airborne droplets from a person with untreated Dog rabies is not present. Nevertheless, strict pulmonary TB or by ingestion of TB-contaminated adherence to the following is important for a safe unpasteurized milk products. Transmission is more and rabies-free experience: likely in conditions of crowding and poverty. A TB • Avoid bites from all animals and especially skin test can indicate prior exposure to tuberculosis avoid handling or feeding puppies, kittens, and is recommended prior to travel (unless already monkeys, or other animals. They can have rabies before it is obvious. known to be positive). A repeat test is also • If you have been bitten or have had direct recommended after returning to the US even if the contact with the saliva of a suspected rabid pre-departure test was negative. animal, immediately wash the affected area with a soap solution and running water thoroughly to neutralize and to rinse out the virus. Then proceed immediately for post- exposure treatment, the sooner the better; depending on the location of the bite, you may have little time. • If possible, the animal should be captured and kept under cautious surveillance until the diagnosis and therapy are completed. If capture is not possible, a clear description of the animal and the circumstance of contact should be carefully recorded.

HIV/AIDS and Blood Supplies HIV/AIDS is a concern worldwide. The HIV virus is transmitted by way of bodily fluids from an infected

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IMMUNIZATIONS FOR PANAMA • A series of 3 immunization Immunizations fall under two categories: 1) those Hepatitis B: injections is recommended. See section on that are required for SIT Study Abroad admission Hepatitis B. and 2) those that are recommended to protect your health and well-being by building up your immune • Influenza: Influenza vaccine should be defenses against specific prevalent diseases. In considered for any individual wishing to addition, certain basic immunizations are required decrease risk of influenza or non-specific by US law. respiratory illness especially those who are at high risk for complications from influenza Plan ahead at least 8 weeks, as laid out in the including those with asthma, COPD, diabetes, sample schedule at the end of these instructions chronic cardiovascular disease and since some immunizations require more than one immunocompromised conditions. dose for effectiveness. The physician administering the inoculations should record all immunizations on SAMPLE IMMUNIZATION the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP, also known as the WHO card). SCHEDULE FOR PANAMA The WHO card should be kept with you at all times To assist your planning, we suggest the following while in the host country. If for some reason you schedule for required and recommended are unable to obtain a WHO card or your WHO immunizations. For your own comfort and card is lost it will be sufficient to carry a copy of protection, do not leave shots to the last minute! your immunization record with you. Before the start of REQUIRED (for participation in program): program Immunizations • You will Tetanus (Td, Tdap) MMR (measles, mumps, rubella): 8 weeks need to be immunized if you have not had 2 booster

doses of live measles vaccine. 7 weeks Influenza

• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis: The primary 5 weeks Typhoid (injection or oral) child series is required. Boosters (Td or Tdap) are effective for 10 years. If you are uncertain when you had your last injection, we 3 weeks Hepatitis A vaccine recommend another booster. With reasonable attention to health and hygiene rules, your stay in Panama should be a healthy RECOMMENDED (as a health precaution - one. Aside from minor ailments due to adjustments consult your physician): to the new food, water and climate, this is the • Typhoid: This vaccine is strongly urged as a experience of the large majority of SIT Study viable protective measure. The vaccine is given Abroad students. We do, however, recommend you either orally or by injection. Discuss the relative see your physician on returning to the US in order merits of each with your doctor. to test for any possible lingering infection

contracted overseas. • Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A vaccine, which provides long-term immunity, is now available Take good care of yourself! and recommended.

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