Mexico Travel Health Advice

TravelHealthPro describes malaria risk in Mexico as very low, so antimalarial tablets are not usually the centre of a Mexico consultation. Bite avoidance still matters. Dengue, Zika and chikungunya are all mosquito-borne infections reported in Mexico, and the mosquitoes involved often bite during the day as well as around built-up areas. There is no simple tablet that prevents these infections. Hepatitis A is commonly recommended for previously unvaccinated travellers because it spreads through contaminated food and water. Typhoid vaccination is also often considered, especially for longer stays, frequent travellers, young children, visits to friends and relatives, or trips where food hygiene may be less predictable. Tetanus should be up to date, particularly if you may be away from quick medical care or doing activities where cuts and scrapes are likely. Rabies is present in domestic animals in Mexico, and bats may also carry rabies-like viruses. Pre-travel rabies vaccination is worth discussing for children, cyclists, runners, animal workers, long-stay travellers and anyone heading to places where post-bite treatment could be delayed. Altitude can catch people out. Mexico City sits at around 2,350 metres, and higher mountain areas exceed 2,500 metres. Headache, poor sleep and breathlessness are worth taking seriously if you ascend quickly.