Due to industrial contamination, sewage and unfavorable ocean currents, coastal seawater often contains high concentrations of unhealthy bacteria, known as enterococci. This bacteria is found in the feces of most humans and many animals. Among the most antibiotic resistant bacteria isolated from humans, enterococci can commonly cause diarrhea, skin, ear, wound, and urinary tract infections, among other illnesses.
To reduce environmental and health risks and to generate public awareness, the Mexican Ministries of Health, Navy, Travel and Environment have collaborated to develop a system, in accordance with criteria set by the World Health Organization (WHO), to monitor the cleanliness of coastal seawater. According to the established criteria, seawater that exceeds 500 enterococci per 100 milliliters is considered of sanitary risk.
Monitoring efforts were initiated in 2003 for a targeted 181 recreational beaches in all of 17 of Mexico’s coastal states. In the first trimester of 2004, according to federal reports, 20 of these 181 public beaches were determined as a sanitary risk. To conform with the Transparency and Access to Government Information Act this information is available to the public from the Secretary of the Environment’s webpage, www.semarnat.gob.mx. It is however not yet available in English.
The 1st semester reports for the year 2006 show no reports of beach water at sanitary risk. Still though, monthly sampling indicates that contamination is not necessarily the result of built up polluting but instead of random events. If you are concerned with the quality of the beach water at your beach, we recommend you contact the tourism department for updated reports and avoid swimming in questionable waters.
Swimming Safety
Northern Baja: Many beaches along the Pacific coast of Baja Norte are not suitable for swimming. Red beach flags are clear indications that you must not swim, but under varied systems in use in Baja, so are yellow, green and blue flags. The only real go-ahead sign is a white flag – and even then, remember there are no lifeguards – and often beaches may not be marked at all. Do not interpret the absence of a beach flag to mean conditions are safe, but instead check with locals, a hotel concierge and (in the case of Ensenada, for example) with the tourist office.
Southern Baja: For the same reason that the region is a surfing Mecca, many beaches on the Pacific side of Baja Sur are not at all safe for swimming, especially not for children or the elderly. Sharp declines on shore lines, rough surf, strong currents and undertows and dangerous rip tides make it unwise to swim anywhere other than a pool. Even on beaches considered to be safe – and where you may see other swimmers – check both the warning flag system and ask for local advice on conditions before braving the waves. The Sea of Cortés is safe for swimmers.
About the Authors: Robert H. Page MD & Curtis P. Page MD Authors, Mexico: Health and Safety Travel Guide For more information, visit Med To Go
Author; 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
Dengue fever is most often transmitted to humans by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which has been responsible for recent outbreaks in Texas and the northeastern Mexican state of Tamaulipas. The disease has also been active in the low-lying coastal regions of Veracruz and along the Yucatan Peninsula. There is no vaccination for Dengue Fever. Prevent exposure with mosquito repellents (containing DEET) and protective netting during the day. (This mosquito prefers to hunt during daylight.)
Symptoms: Early symptoms include sore throat, nausea, headache, muscle and joint pains, vomiting, chills, and the sudden onset of fever as high as 104° F. The fever lasts for two to four days and then the patient may suddenly break into a drenching cold sweat. Symptoms may subside for a day or two before the second stage of symptoms begins, which is characterized by lower fevers and a scattered, light red rash on the trunk, arms, and legs. The hands and bottoms of the feet may be swollen with a darker red rash.
Treatment: Treatment consists of supportive measures, which means the use of analgesics such as acetaminophen, fever-reducing medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, and adequate hydration sometimes with intravenous fluids.
Author; 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
Mexico, like most Latin countries, has a macho culture. Familiarizing yourself with the general roles of men and women and learning the behavioral codes will enable you to maneuver throughout the country with little to no worries. Fighting the status quo could very well get you in trouble.
Understanding Male/Female Behavior in Mexico.
The differences in the traditional roles of men and women are much more apparent in Mexico. Here, men are the providers; they bring economic well-being and security. They are chivalrous with women; they open doors, pick up the bills, never walk in front, and almost always surrender their seats. It is unheard of for Mexican men to leave women to travel alone at night. Women, on the other hand, are traditionally the caretakers; they offer physical and emotional support and care for the needs of the family and home. They are considered with very high regard and many are very religious.
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
In recent years, thousands of North Americans have traveled to Mexico to purchase pharmaceuticals at a fraction of U.S. costs. While there are obvious benefits to this practice, there is and always will be questions about the authenticity of the medications.
Availability and Use With the exception of controlled substances such as narcotics, stimulants, sleeping pills, and barbiturates, you can purchase most pharmaceuticals in Mexico without a doctor’s prescription. As a general rule, once a pharmaceutical is approved for use in any European or North American country, it is made available in Mexico.
Mexico is making access for people with disabilities more easier. It is moving at a slow rate but you can see some progress toward it. Within the hotel zone the side walks are being replaced with smooth ones that where before they where broken up with out ramps. In tourist towns such as Cancun I have seen the most progress. There is more accessibility to hotels, restaurants and malls.
The Cancun Airport has under a major renovation towards disabilities with larger bathrooms, more elevators, ramps to get off the planes and attendants ready to help. There are also taxi companies getting involved in a movement to getting transportation vans with lifts and with in the next year should have them. However there are taxis that are ready to help with transferring people to their hotels if needed or you can rent a car from the airport to accompany your needs.
