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Local Health Conditions
schistosomiasis (bilharzia)
Also known as bilharzia, this disease is carried in freshwater by tiny worms that enter through the skin and attach themselves to the intestines or bladder. The first symptom may be tingling and sometimes a light rash around the area where the worm entered. Weeks later, a high fever may develop. A general unwell feeling may be the first symptom, or there may be no symptoms. Once the disease is established, abdominal pain and blood in the urine are other signs. The infection often causes no symptoms until the disease is well established (several months to years after exposure), and damage to internal organs is irreversible.
Avoid swimming or bathing in freshwater where bilharzia is present. Even deep water can be infected. If you do get wet, dry off quickly and dry your clothes as well. A blood test is the most reliable test, but it will not show positive until a number of weeks after exposure.
Weather Overview
St Lucia's top temperatures vary little over the course of a year and even in the official hurricane season (June to late-October) showers rarely last long, unless you're unlucky enough to strike a hurricane. In January the average daily high temperature in Castries is 81°F (27°C), while the nightly low temperature is 68°F (20°C). In July the average daily high is 85°F (29°C), while the nightly low is 72°F (22°C). Humidity ranges from 76% in February to 83% in November.
Arrival on Saint Lucia
St Lucia has two airports: Hewanorra International Airport in Vieux Fort, at the remote southern tip of the island, and Vigie Airport in Castries, near the main tourist area. International flights land at Hewanorra, while flights from within the Caribbean generally land at Vigie. Most visitors will find it more convenient to book a flight into Vigie. You can fly direct to St Lucia from New York, Miami, Toronto and London.
L'Express des Iles operates an 80-minute express catamaran between Castries and Fort-de-France in Martinique. If you come in by yacht you can clear customs and immigration at Rodney Bay, Castries, Vieux Fort and Marigot Bay.
Marigot Bay is the easiest place to clear the bureaucracy because you can anchor in the inner harbour and dinghy over to the customs office. Cruise ships dock in Castries Harbour.
The Caribbean's major inter-island carrier, LIAT, has flights between St Lucia and Caracas as well as daily n_onstop_ flights to Vigie Airport from Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Martinique, St Vincent and Trinidad. Caribbean Star and BWIA also fly between St Lucia and other Caribbean islands. Air passengers leaving St Lucia pay a 54.00 departure tax.
Average Room Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe
EC$60-100 EC$100-200 EC$200-300 EC$300+
Average Meal Prices
Low Mid High
EC$6-20 EC$20-40 EC$40-60
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