With
its extensive serene coastline, superb climate, distinguished
culinary heritage, art and architectural history, pyramids and modern
cities it is no wonder that Mexico ranks at the 7th
most visited destination for foreign visitors in the world. With so
much to see and do in this wondrous land, simply staying at your
resort or complex would be criminal, hence the reason why car hire is
so prevalent among holidaymakers. With innumerable car hire
companies and various policies available, this short guide talks you
through what you need to know before hiring a car.
Authors: Robert H. Page,
MD and Curtis P. Page, MD are authors of the MEXICO: Health and Safety Travel
Guide and the Healthy Traveler Regional Series. For more information visit
medtogo.com
With 26 named tropical storms, of which three developed into Category-5
hurricanes (Katrina, Rita, and Wilma), the 2005 hurricane season was
the most active in the Atlantic’s recorded history. The hurricanes causing human casualties and economic devastation in
Mexico in this period were Emily (battering Cozumel with 135 mph winds
and flooding), Stan (causing torrential rains and mudslides in southern
Chiapas and much of Central America) and Wilma (shredding Cancún and
Cozumel’s beaches for 53 hours). This last was a Category-5 hurricane,
declared by officials the most destructive in Mexican history. It will
leave its mark on the region for years to come.
Authors: Robert H. Page,
MD and Curtis P. Page, MD are authors of the MEXICO: Health and Safety Travel
Guide and the Healthy Traveler Regional Series. For more information visit
medtogo.com
Many expatriates
think that moving to Mexico with their U.S. health policies provides sufficient
coverage. After all, any major medical situation could be treated back home,
while the local medical insurance would be exclusively for “minor” issues. This
logic works fine as long as a “major medical issue” actually permits travel
back to your home country for treatment. In most cases, this is simply not
recommended, if not impossible.
Scorpion (Alacrán) Stings
Of the more than 1,000 species of scorpions worldwide, only 30 carry a toxin that may be fatal in humans. In the U.S., the rate is very low: one death from a scorpion sting occurs on average every two to three years. In Mexico, there are a reported 1,000- 2,000 deaths per year. Because of their size and ability to travel in shoes and luggage, scorpions are found in many ports all over the world, having arrived as stowaways. Scorpions are nocturnal, typically emerging only at night. They are commonly found in cupboards, closets, in shoes, and under beds. Scorpions sting with a poisoned hook on the tail, which is raised prior to an attack.
By Robert H. Page MD & Curtis P. Page MD
Authors, Mexico: Health and Safety Travel Guide
For more information visit medtogo.com
Jellyfish
Many of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches harbor the treacherous jellyfish. Twenty or more species are common in the waters around Mexico; most cause painful stings. Some are harmless but even a few rare species can be fatal. Jellyfish tentacles are armed with thousands of tiny needle-like filaments that can deliver small doses of venom just below the surface of a victim’s skin. Stings can be very painful, especially if an extensive area of the body is involved. Children, asthmatics, or people with a history of significant allergies may be badly affected, and some cases of respiratory distress and shock have been reported. Seek medical attention if there is shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, severe dizziness, or a severe rash after a sting.
