Travel To Mexico...safe Or Deadly

[reevesr1]

Very well said, PlayDoh. I couldn't have said it better. He'll probably never go and that is a shame because Mexico really is a nice country to visit. There were 3 out of 100,000 Canadians killed in Mexico this year....there were 27 (please, correct me if I'm wrong) out of approximately 1 million Canadians murdered in the greater Edmonton area this year. You could be killed as you walk out your door tomorrow morning but the odds are slim-to-none and you'll probably have a great day (hopefully you will anyways). I wouldn't let the slight chance of being killed in Mexico keep me from going.

 

I actually like the 3 out of 100K Canadian stat. The murder rate in Mexico is far higher than in Canada. But that includes the border town and the absurd amount of drug murders (Mexicans killing Mexicans, which is of course tragic as well). But if there really were only 3 out of 100K, then that is 30 out of 1 Million, which corresponds almost exactly to Edmonton.

 

So if that stat is correct, you are almost exactly as safe in Mexico as Edmonton (and in both cases, if you avoid the wrong parts of the city, even safer). I would not have thought that, to tell you the truth. Learned something new today.

[PlayDoh]

To be honest, its not very hard to get the wrong impression about places like Mexico. Watch a movie like "Man on Fire" and you could think Latin America is filled with criminals. Its like peoples misconception about places like south central L.A, it usually the only thing the media covers.

[bigalcal]

In the last few years I have travelled to Mexico and stayed in all inclusives in Cabo san Lucas and Puerta Vallarta. I have also travelled to Punta Cana DR. I was never concerned for my well being in any of those places. I am sure if I had of gotten off the beaten track, things may have been a bit more threatening but I didn't.

I also travelled to Costa Rica and I was a bit more concerned as the area I was staying (Puerto Viejo on the SE coast) was known for crack and crime. Our "Eco-Inn' was just out of town and the 1K walk on the unlit road was a bit nerve wracking as I had heard a few horror stories of muggers jumping out of the roadside bushes.

Punta Cana is an 18 mile long beach covered with resorts. The security there is unbelievable. No unauthorized people (hawkers as well) were allowed. The closest town is Bavaro and there is nothing really there to please any tourists so you usually (always) stay at the resort which in our case, had ample bars and restaurants and access to two other resorts bars and restaurants as well.(RIU resorts) A great destination for soaking up sun and Pina Colada's. Not much for other activities.

I am heading to MX next month...not sure where..I'll let you all know how it goes.

[SanJuanWorm]

Maybe this has already been covered but do i need any shots before I go to mexico? I'm goin in the spring.

[PlayDoh]

Twinrix Hep A & B vacc for sure.

 

This is from the CDC website for Mexico. They have all desination/travel health info.

 

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationMexico.aspx

 

Preparing for Your Trip to Mexico

 

Before visiting Mexico, you may need to get the following vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination: (Note: Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities.)

 

To have the most benefit, see a health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect and to start taking medicine to prevent malaria, if you need it.

 

Even if you have less than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see a health-care provider for needed vaccines, anti-malaria drugs and other medications and information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling.

 

CDC recommends that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. Find a travel medicine clinic near you. If you have a medical condition, you should also share your travel plans with any doctors you are currently seeing for other medical reasons.

 

If your travel plans will take you to more than one country during a single trip, be sure to let your health-care provider know so that you can receive the appropriate vaccinations and information for all of your destinations. Long-term travelers, such as those who plan to work or study abroad, may also need additional vaccinations as required by their employer or school.

 

Be sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Check the links below to see which vaccinations adults and children should get.

 

Routine vaccines, as they are often called, such as for influenza, chickenpox (or varicella), polio, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) are given at all stages of life; see the childhood and adolescent immunization schedule and routine adult immunization schedule.

 

Routine vaccines are recommended even if you do not travel. Although childhood diseases, such as measles, rarely occur in the United States, they are still common in many parts of the world. A traveler who is not vaccinated would be at risk for infection.

Vaccine-Preventable DiseasesVaccination or Disease Recommendations or Requirements for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Routine Recommended if you are not up-to-date with routine shots such as, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, etc.

Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG) Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection (see map) where exposure might occur through food or water. Cases of travel-related hepatitis A can also occur in travelers to developing countries with "standard" tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors.

Hepatitis B Recommended for all unvaccinated persons traveling to or working in countries with intermediate to high levels of endemic HBV transmission (see map) and who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment, such as for an accident, and for all adults requesting protection from HBV infection.

Typhoid Recommended for all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in Mexico and Central America, especially if visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives where exposure might occur through food or water.

Rabies Recommended for travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural areas, involved in activities such as bicycling, camping, hiking, or work. Also, children are considered at higher risk because they tend to play with animals and may not report bites.

 

Malaria

 

Drugs to Prevent Malaria (Antimalarial drugs)

 

If you will be visiting a malaria risk area in Mexico, chloroquine is the recommended antimalarial drug.

 

Malaria risk area in Mexico: Risk is limited to areas infrequently visited by travelers including small foci along the Guatemala and Belize borders in the states of Chiapas, Quintana Roo, and Tabasco; rural areas in the states of Nayarit, Oaxaca, Sinaloa; and in an area between 24°N and 28°N latitude, and 106°W and 110°W longitude, which lies in parts of Sonora, Chihuahua, and Durango. No malaria risk exists along the United States-Mexico border. No malaria risk exists in the major resorts along the Pacific and Gulf coasts.

 

Risk is very limited; therefore, prophylaxis is not recommended for most travelers to Mexico. Travelers should use personal protection measures such as insect repellents for malaria prevention. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for the rare traveler going to the risk areas.

 

A Special Note about Antimalarial Drugs

 

You should purchase your antimalarial drugs before travel. Drugs purchased overseas may not be manufactured according to United States standards and may not be effective. They also may be dangerous, contain counterfeit medications or contaminants, or be combinations of drugs that are not safe to use.

 

Halofantrine (marketed as Halfan) is widely used overseas to treat malaria. CDC recommends that you do NOT use halofantrine because of serious heart-related side effects, including deaths. You should avoid using antimalarial drugs that are not recommended unless you have been diagnosed with life-threatening malaria and no other options are immediately available.

 

For detailed information about these antimalarial drugs, see Information for the Public: Prescription Drugs for Malaria.

More Information About Malaria

 

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. Humans get malaria from the bite of a mosquito infected with the parasite. Prevent this serious disease by seeing your health-care provider for a prescription antimalarial drug and by protecting yourself against mosquito bites (see below).

 

Travelers to malaria risk-areas in Mexico, including infants, children, and former residents of Mexico, should take one of the following antimalarial drugs listed above.

Symptoms

 

Malaria symptoms may include

fever

chills

sweats

headache

body aches

nausea and vomiting

fatigue

 

Malaria symptoms will occur at least 7 to 9 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Fever in the first week of travel in a malaria-risk area is unlikely to be malaria; however, you should see a doctor right away if you develop a fever during your trip.

 

Malaria may cause anemia and jaundice. Malaria infections with Plasmodium falciparum, if not promptly treated, may cause kidney failure, coma, and death. Despite using the protective measures outlined above, travelers may still develop malaria up to a year after returning from a malarious area. You should see a doctor immediately if you develop a fever anytime during the year following your return and tell the physician of your travel.

Items to Bring With You

 

Medicines you may need:

The prescription medicines you take every day. Make sure you have enough to last during your trip. Keep them in their original prescription bottles and always in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to follow security guidelines, if the medicines are liquids.

Antimalarial drugs, if traveling to a malaria-risk area in Mexico and prescribed by your doctor.

Medicine for diarrhea, usually over-the-counter.

 

Note: Some drugs available by prescription in the US are illegal in other countries. Check the US Department of State Consular Information Sheets for the country(s) you intend to visit or the embassy or consulate for that country(s). If your medication is not allowed in the country you will be visiting, ask your health-care provider to write a letter on office stationery stating the medication has been prescribed for you.

 

Other items you may need:

Iodine tablets and portable water filters to purify water if bottled water is not available. See Preventing Cryptosporidiosis: A Guide to Water Filters and Bottled Water and Safe Food and Water for more detailed information.

Sunblock and sunglasses for protection from harmful effects of UV sun rays. See Skin Cancer Questions and Answers for more information.

Antibacterial hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

To prevent insect/mosquito bites, bring:

Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat to wear outside, whenever possible.

Flying-insect spray to help clear rooms of mosquitoes. The product should contain a pyrethroid insecticide; these insecticides quickly kill flying insects, including mosquitoes.

Bed nets treated with permethrin, if you will not be sleeping in an air-conditioned or well-screened room and will be in malaria-risk areas. For use and purchasing information, see Insecticide Treated Bed Nets on the CDC malaria site. Overseas, permethrin or another insecticide, deltamethrin, may be purchased to treat bed nets and clothes.

 

See other suggested over-the-counter medications and first aid items for a travelers' health kit.

 

Note: Check the Air Travel section of the Transportation Security Administration website for the latest information about airport screening procedures and prohibited items.

 

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Other Diseases Found in Mexico and Central America

Risk can vary between countries within this region and also within a country; the quality of in-country surveillance also varies.

 

The following are disease risks that might affect travelers; this is not a complete list of diseases that can be present. Environmental conditions may also change, and up to date information about risk by regions within a country may also not always be available.

 

Dengue epidemics have affected most countries in Central America in the past 5 years. Filariasis, leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis (River blindness), and American trypanosomiasis (Chagas' disease) are diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region, mostly in rural areas. Risk to the usual traveler is low. Myiasis (botfly) is endemic in Central America. Protecting yourself against insect bites (see below) will help to prevent these diseases.

 

Gnathostomiasis (roundworms) has increased in Mexico, with many cases being reported from the Acapulco area, infection has been reported in travelers. Humans become infected by eating undercooked fish or poultry, or reportedly by drinking contaminated water.

 

Foci of active transmission of leishmaniasis (predominantly cutaneous) are present in all countries in Central America. West Nile virus has been found in Mexico and may spread in Central America.

 

Diarrhea in travelers is common and may be caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli predominates, but other bacteria and protozoa (including Giardia, Cryptosporidia, and Entamoeba histolytica) can also cause diarrhea.

 

Cases of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome have been reported from Panama.

 

Outbreaks of leptospirosis have occurred in travelers to the area (including whitewater rafters in Costa Rica and U.S. troops training in Panama). Sporadic cases and outbreaks of coccidioidomycosis and histoplasmosis have occurred in travelers to Central America. Risky activities include disturbing soil and entering caves and abandoned mines. Cutaneous larva migrans occurs in visitors, especially those visiting beaches.

 

For more information, see the Geographic Distribution of Potential Health Hazards to Travelers and Goals and Limitations in determining actual disease risks by destination

 

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Staying Healthy During Your Trip

Prevent Insect Bites

 

Many diseases, like malaria and dengue, are spread through insect bites. One of the best protections is to prevent insect bites by:

Using insect repellent (bug spray) with 30%-50% DEET. Picaridin, available in 7% and 15% concentrations, needs more frequent application. There is less information available on how effective picaridin is at protecting against all of the types of mosquitoes that transmit malaria.

Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat outdoors.

Remaining indoors in a screened or air-conditioned area during the peak biting period for malaria (dusk and dawn).

Sleeping in beds covered by nets treated with permethrin, if not sleeping in an air-conditioned or well-screened room.

Spraying rooms with products effective against flying insects, such as those containing pyrethroid.

 

For detailed information about insect repellent use, see Insect and Arthropod Protection.

Be Careful about Food and Water

Diseases from food and water are the leading cause of illness in travelers. Follow these tips for safe eating and drinking:

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol).

Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. If this is not possible, learn how to make water safer to drink.

Do not eat food purchased from street vendors.

Make sure food is fully cooked.

Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized.

 

Diseases from food and water often cause vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure to bring diarrhea medicine with you so that you can treat mild cases yourself.

Avoid Injuries

 

Car crashes are a leading cause of injury among travelers. Protect yourself from these injuries by:

Not drinking and driving.

Wearing your seat belt and using car seats or booster seats in the backseat for children.

Following local traffic laws.

Wearing helmets when you ride bikes, motorcycles, and motor bikes.

Not getting on an overloaded bus or mini-bus.

Hiring a local driver, when possible.

Avoiding night driving.

Other Health Tips

To avoid animal bites and serious diseases (including rabies and plague) do not handle or pet animals, especially dogs and cats, If you are bitten or scratched, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention to determine if mediation or anti-rabies vaccine is needed.

To avoid infections such as HIV and viral hepatitis do not share needles for tattoos, body piercing, or injections.

To reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases always use latex condoms.

To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot, especially on beaches where animals may have defecated.

 

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After You Return Home

 

If you are not feeling well, you should get medical attention and mention that you have recently traveled.

 

If you have visited a malaria-risk area, continue taking your chloroquine for 4 weeks after leaving the risk area.

 

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever or flu-like illness either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the physician your travel history.

Important Note: This document is not a complete medical guide for travelers to this region. Consult with your doctor for specific information related to your needs and your medical history; recommendations may differ for pregnant women, young children, and persons who have chronic medical conditions.

[Guest Sundancefisher]

Very well said, PlayDoh. I couldn't have said it better. He'll probably never go and that is a shame because Mexico really is a nice country to visit. There were 3 out of 100,000 Canadians killed in Mexico this year....there were 27 (please, correct me if I'm wrong) out of approximately 1 million Canadians murdered in the greater Edmonton area this year. You could be killed as you walk out your door tomorrow morning but the odds are slim-to-none and you'll probably have a great day (hopefully you will anyways). I wouldn't let the slight chance of being killed in Mexico keep me from going.

 

I do not believe we are actually disagreeing on the main theme that as I mentioned above I would probably go to Mexico if the opportunity presented itself. However I do like a good discussion. the 3 out of 100,000 was for assaults specifically against Canadians. Stats however comparing Calgary to Cancun for instance is not truly comparable. Probably taking crime in Banff and normalizing it to Cancun would be interesting.

 

As for overall crime in Mexico...staying away from seedy areas, staying away from drugs, not picking up hookers, not getting hammered and insulting the ladies or picking fights probably go a long ways to staying safe. Still comparing Mexico City to Calgary would be unfair due to the size but statistics show "...in the categories of murder, rape and robbery, Mexico's Distrito Federal posts 3 to 4 times the incidence of these crimes than does New York City, greater Los Angeles or Washington, D.C." http://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=43999. That shows things are way worse than in the US big cities.

 

Interestingly enough, the Canadian Government has not joined the media bandwagon against Mexico. There is no current travel advisory. http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/report-en.asp?country=184000. There is however an impressive list of problems.

 

Anyways...I hope we can still remain friends on the board...I have not meant to offend anyone and sorry if I came across that way. Maybe I am an overly aggressive debater when I like the subject but I will never excel to be a master debater and for that we can all be grateful.

 

Cheers.

 

Sun

[JMasson]

You haven't offended me...it takes more than some silly posts on an obscure fly-fishing forum to offend me.

[Guest Sundancefisher]

You haven't offended me...it takes more than some silly posts on an obscure fly-fishing forum to offend me.

 

So no slap with a wet fish followed by pacing off at 10 yards turn and then fire fishing jokes? Cool.

[JMasson]

Is that an attempt at hijacking your own thread?

[esleech]

I will never excel to be a master debater and for that we can all be grateful.

Really? I had that mastered by twelve!

[yodatrout]

You mean master debater with out the de part?

[yak]

SDF,

not attacking anyone.I thought from the inital post you wanted info for a future trip. i didnt realize we were just "debating' for fun. i have been to mexico 12 times in the last 20 years. every time down there i see americans and canadian tourists treating the country like a giant waste basket and the people like second class citizens. Not all tourists are like that but it certainly isnt difficult to find an ugly tourist at any given time.if you are polite and couteous the people there are far more friendly and helpful than the average calgarian. Granted there have been some suspicious deaths in the last few years. It usually seems to involve someone plastered out of there mind who just happened to be making an ass out of themselves ( see drunken slurs towards locals,hitting on local women) at a bar earlier. You have to wonder at what point the local people and police decide the few bucks the tourists toss them are no longer worth it. You dont seem the type to have this type of activity on the agenda so I think you are missing out on a beautiful vacation destination if you stay away based on these isolated incidents.

[Guest Sundancefisher]

SDF,

not attacking anyone.I thought from the inital post you wanted info for a future trip. i didnt realize we were just "debating' for fun. i have been to mexico 12 times in the last 20 years. every time down there i see americans and canadian tourists treating the country like a giant waste basket and the people like second class citizens. Not all tourists are like that but it certainly isnt difficult to find an ugly tourist at any given time.if you are polite and couteous the people there are far more friendly and helpful than the average calgarian. Granted there have been some suspicious deaths in the last few years. It usually seems to involve someone plastered out of there mind who just happened to be making an ass out of themselves ( see drunken slurs towards locals,hitting on local women) at a bar earlier. You have to wonder at what point the local people and police decide the few bucks the tourists toss them are no longer worth it. You dont seem the type to have this type of activity on the agenda so I think you are missing out on a beautiful vacation destination if you stay away based on these isolated incidents.

 

I am interested in a future trip... That being said it is great people are not saying they feel concerned when traveling and staying in Mexico. Although the suspicious deaths are scary I think if you stay away from trouble...trouble will stay away from you. One guy at the office said the hotel told him not to travel more than a block off of certain routes when traveling. I think if one heeds the warnings people should be fine.

 

P.S. I do like a lively debate. If people take a half hearted attempt at debating the pros and cons one can not accurately figure the risks. Out of 10 or so people, no one has had trouble and that is a good thing.

[ladystrange]

i have been to mexico 6 times. one time even included a 5 hour cross state taxi ride from PV to Playa blanca, which was interesting in and of itself.

 

i personally have not had any issues.

 

i am now in travel insurance claims. i dont see the medical claims but when there are big claims that hit the news and we have them, we do take a look to see what happened. i think there have been 2 or 3 of those in the last 5 years of maybe 70,000 claims from mexico in the same time frame. a few of those are theft from hotel rooms and pick pockets. only a few bad ones where someone was badly injured from an altercation

 

my mom and her other 60ish girlfriends left a club in PV rather late one night and were stopped by the local police, cost them 500us to 'talk' their way out of being arrested for drunk and disorderly conduct... or something like that. i know of one other person who has made to the mexico jail. he was 'near' a bar fight and in the wrong place at the wrong time.

 

mexico can be perfectly safe. if you research the outfit companies you want to take excursions with and travel in groups, stay with a chain hotel like riu or qualton, you shouldnt have a problem on the property.

 

i won't walk down strange streets at 2 am drunk but i wouldnt do that in hong kong either. i'll be going to Sao paulo in april and you can bet i wont be doing any drunken alley strolls there either.

 

mexico is a nice place to go. but if you want "safe" go to maui