Risk / Health Info for Mexico

What shots do I need for Mexico?

Check that shots are up to date before you go to Mexico. Some extra vaccines are recommended, so consult your healthcare adviser six weeks in advance.

Hepatitis A and typhoid shots will protect you against unpleasant illness. Those viruses are spread by infected food and water. Shots are also recommended against hepatitis B, which is spread through contact with infected body fluids, such as unprotected sex, shared needles, tattooing or piercing. People involved in healthcare – either as workers or as patients – should protect themselves against hep b. There have also been some cases of cholera reported, so consider getting vaccinated before you leave.

It is possible to get rabies from a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal in Mexico, so rabies shots are recommended. Children, cyclists and runners are also at increased risk from animal bites. Always 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?

Stick to commercially bottled water when you are in Mexico to avoid “travellers’ diarrhea” and other gastrointestinal illnesses. Avoid putting ice in your drink, and don’t eat food if you can’t peel it, cook it or boil it.

What is the healthcare like in Mexico?

Mexico‘s standards are different from Canada’s and vary greatly, especially in beach resort areas, but medical services are available in large cities. Private healthcare facilities are also available but are expensive and may not deal with medical insurance companies. Your regular health insurance will not cover you when you leave Canada, so consult your provincial or territorial health authority before you go.

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

Make sure you take enough of your medications with you and bring a copy of your prescription with you. For more information, consult the Mexican embassy in Canada before you go.

Protect your health in Mexico

You can get Zika, dengue or chikungunya from infected mosquitoes in Mexico. Take precautions to prevent mosquito bites by using a reliable insect repellent, wearing neutral-coloured clothing that covers as much of your body as possible, and staying in accommodations with screened windows and air conditioning.

There is also a risk of malaria in some parts of Mexico so check with your travel health adviser six weeks before you leave so you can get anti-malarial pills.

Some travellers to Mexico City may be affected by the high altitude or air pollution, which is at its worst in winter. If you have heart, lung or respiratory problems, consult your healthcare provider before you book your trip.

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.