Ecuador: Development, Politics, and Languages
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Ecuador: Development, Politics, and Languages
TABLE OF CONTENTS • Use condoms if you are sexually active.
• While traveling abroad, minimize high-risk
behaviors.
BRIEF SUMMARY .................................................... 2
• Notify your Academic Director if you become ill.
GENERAL INFORMATION ..................................... 2
PREVENTION OF INSECT-BORNE ILLNESSES
..................................................................................... 3 GENERAL INFORMATION
To protect your health in Ecuador, you need certain
PREVENTION OF FOOD- AND WATER-BORNE pre-departure immunizations followed by reasonable
ILLNESSES ............................................................... 4 health precautions while in the country. The
OTHER ILLNESSES ................................................ 5 following health guidelines and requirements are
based on years of experience and the current
recommendations from the US Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. They are designed to inform
BRIEF SUMMARY you of health concerns that may be present in
Prior to Departure: Ecuador especially as you venture to smaller cities
• Schedule an appointment with your health care off the usual tourist track or spend time in small
provider or a travel medicine clinic at least 8
villages and rural areas for extended periods.
weeks prior to departure.
• Take an adequate quantity of all your necessary
and prescription medications to last your entire It is essential that you review these health
stay. guidelines and requirements with your health care
• Ensure you are up to date on all routine provider, to discuss individual issues such as pre-
vaccines. existing medical problems and allergies to specific
• Discuss your specific travel itinerary (including drugs. Any further questions or concerns should be
various in-country locations you plan to visit) directed to the US Centers for Disease Control and
with your health care provider and discuss: Prevention (CDC) (www.cdc.gov/travel) or to your
o Required vaccines: Covid-19 vaccine own health care provider.
and up-to-date boosters are required for
SIT programs.
o Recommended vaccines including
Tdap booster, hepatitis A & B, influenza,
typhoid, and yellow fever.
o Prevention and treatment of traveler’s
diarrhea.
o Malaria prophylaxis.
SIT recommends that you bring a copy of your
immunization record with you and insert this
document in your passport so that it is easily
accessible.
While you are in Ecuador:
• Take measures to prevent traveler’s diarrhea.
• Take preventive measures to avoid mosquito
bites.
• Do not travel alone and maintain an awareness
of your surroundings at all times. SIT Study Abroad programs may venture off the
• Remember motor vehicle accidents remain the usual tourist track. Pay careful attention to
biggest risk for international travelers. Ride in health and safety guidelines.
the back seat, wear seatbelts, and do not be
afraid to ask your driver to slow down.
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Ecuador 2023
PREVENTION OF INSECT- information or visit the CDC website:
http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/travelers/index.html
BORNE ILLNESSES
Malaria Dengue
Since malaria is not a problem in Quito, and the Dengue is a viral disease and is transmitted by
surrounding sierra (including the Intag Cloud Forest mosquitoes which bite primarily in the daytime. It
excursion, and Galápagos Islands) and at altitudes occurs in urban as well as rural areas including on
above 1,500 meters (5,000 feet), you need not take the Galápagos Islands. No risk exists in Quito.
prophylaxis for these parts of the program. There is no licensed vaccine against it, but personal
However, you are at potential risk during your protective measures against mosquito bites are
program excursion to the Rain Forest. Also, if you effective in prevention. Insect repellents, protective
plan on doing your Independent Study Project (ISP) clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, are
in a malaria area you must protect yourself. For full therefore essential. The disease causes
protection you should take your first pill before any considerable discomfort (fever, body aching), but is
travel to lower altitudes and continue for four weeks self-limited in adults.
after your return to non-malarial regions.
Chikungunya
CDC guidelines suggest that prevention of malaria Chikungunya is an arboviral infection that is
is possible if you carefully follow personal protective transmitted by day-biting Aedes mosquitoes. Low
measures as described below and take one of the risk exists in Ecuador at elevations below 2,300m
following antimalarial drugs (listed alphabetically) as (7,500 ft); mainly in Guayas Province. Symptoms
directed by your health care provider: are typically fever and joint pain. There is no
atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline, licensed vaccine against it, but insect precautions
mefloquine, or tafenoquine (Arakoda). G6PD testing and personal protective measures (especially during
is required prior to tafenoquine use. The selection peak times (early morning and late afternoon) are
should be discussed with your health care the main prevention strategy.
provider. If despite adherence to these preventive
measures, you develop symptoms of malaria, Zika
prompt medical attention may lessen the severity of Zika is a viral infection that is also transmitted by the
the illness. bite of the Aedes mosquitoes. Symptoms include
mild fever, rash, conjunctivitis (red eyes), joint or
Personal Protective Measures muscle pain and headache. The disease causes
The following insect precautions should be followed, considerable discomfort, but is mild and self-limited,
especially after dark, to prevent mosquito bites that lasting for several days to a week. Low risk exists in
may transmit malaria: Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands at elevations
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. below 2,300m (7,500 ft).
• Use insect repellents on bedding and netting. There are no vaccines or medications available to
(e.g., permethrin – commonly known as prevent or treat Zika infections therefore students
Permanone). should be vigilant in using insect precautions and
• Use insect repellents on skin and clothing. personal protection measures against day-biting
DEET-containing products (e.g., Off, Off Deep mosquitoes (see insect precautions section above).
Woods, Jungle Juice, and Muskol) may be used
CDC recommends that pregnant women consider
on skin in concentrations up to 30–40% and on
postponing travel to countries where the Zika virus
clothing in higher concentrations. Permethrin
(Permanone) may also be used on clothing. is prevalent.
SIT Study Abroad suggests that if you have further Yellow Fever
questions, do not hesitate to contact the Malarial This is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes
Division of CDC at 888-232-3228 for recorded that occurs only in parts of Africa and South
America. Yellow fever is characterized by severe
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Ecuador 2023
hepatitis with fever. It may be prevented by avoiding certain antibiotics (doxycycline, sulfa-TMP,
mosquito bites (personal protective measures) and ciprofloxacin) can prevent or attenuate the infection.
by getting the vaccination shots that are available at Antibiotics are indicated for more severe cases of
any yellow fever vaccination center (consult your traveler’s diarrhea.
health care provider for the nearest center). This More protracted and disabling diarrheal illnesses
program has a rainforest excursion and yellow fever may be due to giardiasis and amoebic dysentery
is recommended. Also, if you plan to do your (caused by parasites) and bacillary dysentery
Independent Study Project (ISP) in a yellow fever (caused by bacteria), including cholera and typhoid.
risk area or plan to travel there after the program, These infections (as well as “traveler’s diarrhea”)
we recommend the yellow fever vaccination. are caused by contaminated food and water.
Therefore, the best way to avoid such infections is
Leishmaniasis (Cutaneous and to follow certain do’s and don’ts:
Mucocutaneous)
Leishmaniasis is a protozoon infection that causes DO WASH your hands scrupulously with non-
skin ulcers and is transmitted by the bite of sand contaminated water and soap before eating and
flies and occurs especially in Amazonian regions. snacking.
No risk exists on the Galápagos Islands. Insect
precautions are recommended. DO DRINK
• Bottled or canned beverages (water, soda, soft
drinks) from a trusted source (ensure caps are
sealed).
• Hot coffee, tea.
• Water that has reached a rolling boil for at least
one minute at sea level (longer at higher
altitudes).
DON’T DRINK
• Tap water, this includes not using it to brush
your teeth or using ice made from tap water.
DO USE
• Commercial iodide or tinctured liquid iodine to
treat water, ONLY if bottled water (from a trusted
PREVENTION OF FOOD- AND source) is not available and boiling water is not
possible. These provide substantial protection
WATER-BORNE ILLNESSES when added to tap water. Chlorine in various
Diarrhea-Producing Infections forms is less reliable than iodine.
“Traveler’s diarrhea” is the most common form of
diarrhea in Ecuador. This is a self-limited diarrhea DO EAT
lasting from a few to several days, characterized by • Cooked vegetables, fruits with thick covering
watery, non-bloody bowel movements. Traveler’s (citrus, bananas, and melons).
diarrhea usually requires no treatment other than • Meat or fish that is thoroughly cooked (pork and
fluid replacement including ORS (the World Health lamb should be very well done).
Organization’s oral rehydration solution which • Pasteurized dairy products.
comes in package form) or other homemade
DON’T EAT
solutions such as 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon
baking soda, and 2–3 tablespoons sugar or honey • Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and
vegetables.
in 1 liter of clean water; or carbonated soda diluted
• Fruits that do not have a thick, disposable
by one half. Antidiarrheals such as Imodium or
outside covering.
Lomotil may be used short-term in some
• Rare or raw meat, fish, or shellfish.
circumstances. Pepto Bismol in large amounts and
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Ecuador 2023
• Dairy products from small, independent vendors Typhoid Fever
without pasteurizing facilities, including food of Typhoid is an infection caused by a particular
any kind that has been left out in the sun, species of the salmonella bacterium. It is spread by
especially custards, creams, and mayonnaise. contaminated food and water. Symptoms include
• Raw (unpasteurized) milk or milk products. fever, severe toxicity, rash, and in about half the
Tuberculosis and brucellosis, both serious cases, bloody diarrhea. Untreated, there is a 30%
diseases are transmitted in this way, so the
mortality rate. Vaccines are 60–70% effective in
consumption of unpasteurized milk and milk
prevention. One vaccine involves a single injection,
products should be strictly avoided.
with immunity lasting 2 years. A second one is
administered orally every other day for 4 doses and
lasts 5 years. Antibiotic resistance has been
developing, but treatment of the disease with certain
well-known antibiotics is usually effective. As with all
diarrheal illnesses, careful dietary discretion
continues to be the main line of defense.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious virus that causes
liver inflammation. It is spread through contaminated
food and water. Most Americans have not previously
been exposed to the hepatitis A virus and are at risk
of contracting the disease during travel to areas
There may be times when refusing an offer of food where the disease is more prevalent. A very
or beverage, even a drink with ice or avoiding a effective vaccine is available. Discuss this with your
salad will be considered rude. You must decide for healthcare provider.
yourself, but polite refusals, thought out in advance,
are often handy. Discuss these alternatives with OTHER ILLNESSES
your Academic Director(s). Altitude
Quito is over 9000 ft. above sea level and many
A note on swimming: Avoid swimming or wading points you visit are higher. Even healthy, athletic
in fresh water. Many parasites and bacteria live in individuals may become ill at altitudes over 10,000
water and can cause serious illness. Properly ft. Common symptoms are unbearable headache
chlorinated pools and salt water are generally safe and severe shortness of breath out of proportion to
from infectious diseases. the mild fatigue most people experience while
becoming acclimatized. Ascending gradually and
Leptospirosis resting during the first 12-24 hours can minimize the
This is a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira risk of altitude sickness. You may also wish to
bacteria. The disease is spread through direct consult your health care provider about obtaining
contact with the urine, blood or tissue from infected some acetazolamide (Diamox). Note that this is
animals or rodents or through water, soil, or food contra-indicated for those allergic to sulfa drugs and
contaminated with their urine. It's most common in that this possibility should be discussed with your
warm climates. Travelers who come in contact with health care provider. Also note that alcohol and
the disease may experience symptoms of high sedatives may have greater effect at high altitudes.
fever, headache, bleeding, muscle pain, chills, red
eyes, and vomiting. Without treatment, leptospirosis
can lead to kidney and liver damage and even
death. This disease is treated with antibiotics
(doxycycline, penicillin) to clear the infection.
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Ecuador 2023
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial disease spread by
airborne droplets from a person with untreated
pulmonary TB or by ingestion of TB-contaminated
unpasteurized milk products. Transmission is more
likely in conditions of crowding and poverty. A TB
test can indicate prior exposure to tuberculosis and
is recommended prior to travel. A repeat test is also
recommended after returning to the US even if the
pre-departure test was negative.
Hepatitis B
Any symptoms of severe altitude illness should Hepatitis B is a serious and often chronic viral
result in immediate descent. Individuals with chronic infection of the liver. Since this type of hepatitis is
heart and lung disorders, such as asthma, and any most often acquired from contact with infected
other preexisting medical condition including sickle blood, sexual contact (as with HIV), or skin-to-skin
cell or diabetes should consult a health care contact of mutual open cuts and sores, appropriate
provider before traveling to high altitudes. If your precautions to avoid these types of exposure are
health care provider has given approval for high necessary. This includes avoiding getting tattoos, or
altitude travel, do let us know about the condition so ear/body piercings and avoiding cuddling children
that we can advise the Academic Director(s) and our with sores or draining insect bites. A series of three
local health care providers accordingly. Bring full immunizing injections is recommended. This series
medical notes with you to help local health care should be initiated as early as possible so that at
providers in case of need. least two doses are taken prior to departure which
will provide partial protection. The third shot should
be taken five months after the second dose and may
Prevention of Animal Bites and Infections
Rabies is a viral disease almost always caused by be given after returning home to achieve full, long-
animal bites. Dog rabies is rare in Ecuador and does lasting immunity. An accelerated schedule can also
not exist in the Galápagos Islands; risk however be used as an alternative.
exists from bats and other terrestrial animals.
Nevertheless, strict adherence to the following is HIV/AIDS and Blood Supplies
important for a safe and rabies-free experience: HIV/AIDS is a concern worldwide. The HIV virus is
• Avoid bites from all animals and especially avoid transmitted by way of bodily fluids from an infected
handling or feeding bats, puppies, kittens, person. HIV is spread mainly by having anal or
monkeys, or other animals. They can have vaginal sex or sharing drug injection equipment with
rabies before it is obvious. a person who has HIV. AIDS is an acquired immune
• If you have been bitten or have had direct deficiency that can result in life- threatening
contact with the saliva of a suspected rabid infections and is the most advanced stage of the
animal, immediately wash the affected area with HIV infection. It is the student's responsibility to
a soap solution and running water thoroughly to protect him /herself from acquiring the disease
neutralize and to rinse out the virus. Then through sexual transmission. Students anticipating
proceed immediately for post-exposure even the possibility of sexual activity are strongly
treatment. urged to bring their own condom supply. Other
• If possible, the animal should be captured and potential routes of infected blood transmission such
kept under surveillance until the diagnosis and
as tattooing, body piercing and needle sharing must
therapy are completed. If capture is not possible,
be strictly avoided.
a clear description of the animal and the
circumstance of contact should be carefully With regard to blood transfusions, our Academic
recorded. Directors have identified hospitals, through
consultation with the local US embassy, where safe
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Ecuador 2023blood is available. In a life-threatening situation, the • Wear a facemask, anywhere required by host
risks versus benefits of an emergency blood country laws or in locations where SIT staff and
transfusion must be examined carefully and a partners on the ground have determined it is
decision made based on the best information necessary based on current circumstances.
available at the time. • Most importantly, stay connected:
Communicate daily with your SIT Academic
Director. SIT continues to update its contingency
Coronavirus COVID-19 and evacuation plans to ensure that we are
COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that is spread prepared to take appropriate action in the event
through direct contact with an infected person as of a change in circumstances.
well as through respiratory droplets produced when
an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms SIT recommends that students check the country’s
of COVID-19 may appear 2-14 days after consular website for up-to-date information on entry
exposure and may include fever, cough, and and exit requirements.
shortness of breath. The illness can also cause
muscle or body aches, sore throat, vomiting and
With reasonable attention to health and hygiene
diarrhea. Reported illnesses have ranged from mild
rules, your stay in Ecuador should be a healthy one.
symptoms to severe illness and death. Vaccines are
Aside from minor ailments due to adjustments to the
available to protect against the coronavirus disease
new food, water, and climate, this is the experience
2019 (COVID-19).The best way to protect yourself is
of the large majority of SIT Study Abroad students.
to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine and up-to-date
We do, however, recommend you see your health
boosters and follow COVID-19 precautions!
care provider on returning to the US in order to test
• Clean your hands often-wash your
for any possible lingering infection contracted
hands carefully and frequently with soap and
water for at least 20 seconds especially after overseas.
you have been in a public place, or after blowing
your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and
water are not readily available, use a hand
Take good care of yourself!
sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with
unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue
when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of
your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched
surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs,
light switches, countertops, handles, desks,
phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• Avoid close contact. Put distance between
yourself and other people, if possible.
• Inform your Academic Director immediately if
you have a pulmonary disease or any respiratory
illness; have a fever or feeling sick; if you have
been in close contact with a person known to
have COVID-19; and/or have recently traveled
from an area with widespread or ongoing
community spread of COVID-19.
• Contact ISOS and a health care provider if
you develop symptoms.
• Avoid travel if you are sick or have a fever.
Your Academic Director will make appropriate
accommodations for students who are ill.
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