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Belize

Risk / Health Info for Belize

Make sure your shots are up to date before you go to Belize, and consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Avoid “travellers’ diarrhea” and illnesses such as hepatitis A, typhoid and cholera can be prevented with vaccinations and by avoiding contaminated food and water, so if you can’t boil it, cook it or peel it, don’t eat it.

There is also a risk of getting Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses in Belize so take care to avoid getting bitten by wearing clothing that covers your whole body, sleeping under bed nets and always using a reliable insect repellent.

Belize has limited medical facilities in and evacuation might be required in emergencies. Your regular health insurance will not cover you when you leave Canada, so consult your provincial or territorial health authority before you go.

Chikungunya virus in Belize
Cases of Chikungunya virus have been reported in Belize. 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.
Dengue fever in Belize
There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in Belize. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.
Malaria in Belize
Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of Belize 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 Belize
Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in Belize. 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 Belize. 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.

Recommended Vaccines for Belize

Vaccine NameCourse
Hepatitis A2 Doses
Hepatitis A and B combined (adult)3 Doses
Hepatitis A and B combined (paediatric)2 Doses
Hepatitis A and typhoid (combined)1 Dose
Hepatitis A (paediatric)1 Dose
Hepatitis B3 Doses
Hepatitis B (paediatric)3 Doses
Malaria prophylaxis
Rabies
Typhoid1 Dose
Typhoid (oral)1 Dose
This is a general list of travel vaccinations and immunisations for Belize. Specific vaccines can only be determined after appointment with our travel nurse.

About Belize

Belize boasts great biodiversity and one of the least densest populations in Central America, making it popular with anyone interested in watching birds or hiking through jungles. Other activities include diving on the Belize Barrier Reef and fishing in the Caribbean.

top Tips for travelling to Belize

You can explore Belize’s Mayan ruins in a very immediate way that is not possible in other countries. Altun Ha is easily accessed from Belize City and Lamanai has what is believed to be a ball court.