Risk / Health Info for Mexico

What inoculations do I need for Mexico?

There are some vaccines to get before going to Mexico and your healthcare advisor can guide you.

A hepatitis A vaccine will protect you against an unpleasant GI illness.

Rabies occurs in Mexico and if you are going to a remote region or if you will be working with animals, particularly bats and dogs, consider getting this vaccine. Cyclists and runners are also at increased risk from animal bites and may wish to ask if a rabies vaccine is suitable for them. Children should also be vaccinated against rabies as they may get bitten while playing with animals, often on the face or neck. Seek urgent medical advice about an animal bite or scratch in Mexico, even if you have been vaccinated.

Is the water safe to drink in Mexico?

Tap water is best avoided in favour of bottled water during your trip to Mexico, and do not put ice in your drink. In recent years there were reports of the food and water bug Cyclospora on the Riviera Maya coast. This bug can cause travellers’ diarrhoea. Public Health England has some guidance about Cyclospora for travellers. There have also been cases of cholera in Hidalgo, so you may wish to consider getting a vaccine for this GI disease.

Are there hospitals in Mexico?

There are good healthcare services in Mexico but not all hospitals will deal with travel insurers. Be prepared to pay up front and then seek a refund from your travel insurance yourself.

The emergency numbers in Mexico are 060, 065, 066 or 068. In Mexico City CCTV cameras are equipped with buttons which will put you through to the emergency services.

Protect your health in Mexico

It is possible to contract several mosquito-borne illnesses in Mexico, including Chikungunya virus, malaria and zika. It is a very good idea to avoid bites wherever possible. Here are some tips:

• sleep in rooms with air con, or under nets
• use a reliable insect repellent
• opt for loose, neutral-coloured clothing that covers your limbs
• if a vaccine or prophylaxis is available, make use of it.

Altitude in Mexico

Parts of Mexico are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Chikungunya virus in Mexico

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Mexico. It is spread by day-biting mosquitoes and you can guard against infection by covering up and using mosquito repellents. Infection results in joint pains, fever, rash and headache. It clears up after a few days, but some patients are left with swollen and painful joints for weeks or even years afterwards.

Malaria in Mexico

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Mexico at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

Zika in Mexico

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Mexico. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to Mexico. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.