Vaccinations, Health, and Safety

 

A yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into the Yasuni National Park.  (Pitt in Ecuador students will visit the Yasuni Park during the July Session only.)  No vaccinations are required for entry to  Ecuador.

 

Malaria is not a threat in the Field School area.  However it is endemic in parts of the Ecuadorian coast.  Students should consult Center for Disease Control Information on Ecuador and their doctors.

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Iyarina is approximately 8 miles (17 kilometers) from the Jose Maria Velasco Ibarra State Hospital): 62 886 302;   There are also several pharmacies in Tena.    Farmacia "Yolita": 62-886-467

 

Iyarina provides bottled drinking water. Tap water for bathing comes from a small stream falling from jungle hills above the Field School. Although the water is clean it should not be used for drinking.

 

Standard safety precautions are observed in the preparation of food. Fruits and vegetables are soaked in iodine to kill bacteria. Nevertheless students who stay for an extended period of time also eat in town in a variety of settings.  It is not uncommon for visitors to experience some intestinal problems. 

 

Several species of poisonous snakes are present in the environs.  Visitors should exercise due caution and use a flashlight while walking outside at night. During its 13 years of operation no Field School visitor or staff member has been bitten by a snake. 

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Although there are few mosquitoes the Field School provides mosquito nets in the rooms should visitors care to use them.  There are however tiny noseeums and chiggers active during the day. These insects tend to bite around the ankles. Although some visitors have no problems others become uncomfortable from itchy bites. The best defense is to wear lightweight pants tucked into socks.

 

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