Concerns about water safety linger after hundreds of vacationers recently fell ill at a resort in Mexico. Here’s how to stay safe.
Skipping the U.S. in favour of Mexico for spring break? You’re not alone.
But with recent media reports that hundreds of hotel patrons fell sick at a resort in Playa Del Carmen, some may be wondering how they can protect themselves while soaking up the sunshine.
Here’s are some travel safety tips you should know while visiting Mexico for spring break.
What happened recently in Playa Del Carmen?
According to the report, a local doctor believed it was because of contaminated water at the resort, while a representative for Sandos Hotel and Resorts told the CBC that the cases may be related to a rise in gastrointestinal illnesses linked to norovirus or seasonal flu in Canada and the U.S.
On Thursday, Claire Newell, president of Travel Best Bets, told Postmedia that they haven’t seen any cancellations because of the recent illnesses. In fact, it has been quite the opposite, because of Trump’s threats.
Newell said bookings for all-inclusive resorts in Mexico have increased because of the current tension with the U.S., as well as the fact that the Canadian dollar goes further in Mexico.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Mexico?
That means in Mexico you might want to pass on margaritas and other mixed beverages while on holiday, and choose bottled or canned drinks instead.
How do I prevent getting sick from food in Mexico?
The most common illnesses among travellers are generally caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, or viruses. Always take precautions with food and water to avoid getting sick.
The government’s advice is to “boil it, cook it, peel it or leave it.”
Always wash your hands, and if possible only eat foods that are well-cooked and served hot. Avoid food served at room temperature.
Other advice includes brushing your teeth with boiled or bottled water, and avoiding salads or other items made with fresh produce, and food from street vendors.
Before you go, Newell recommends packing medication to treat symptoms of minor illness, such as stomach troubles, aches and pains.
She also advised travellers wash their hands regularly and pack sanitizer and disinfecting wipes for the plane and hotel room.
Drink bottled water, stay away from food that has been sitting too long, and consider only eating fruit and vegetables that require peeling, she added.
What about swimming and bathing?
The government suggests people travelling in Mexico avoid getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming in freshwater such as streams, lakes, or canals, especially after heavy rain or flooding.
It is best to also avoid swallowing water when bathing, showering, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs.
What vaccinations do I need before visiting Mexico?
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.
What type of travel insurance should I get for Mexico?
Anyone travelling outside of Canada is encouraged to buy trip interruption and travel health insurance before they leave. That’s because medical bills abroad may not be paid by your personal Canadian health insurance, and hospitals and clinics in other countries can be very expensive. Also, the Canadian government will not pay travel medical bills.
Travellers can buy health insurance for their trip through a travel agency, an insurance broker, an employer’s insurance provider, a credit card company, and at a bank.
If you feel very sick with severe diarrhea and vomiting seek help immediately, said Newell.
It is also a good idea to have your insurance policy and the contact number of the provider accessible while you are travelling. If you do need to use travel insurance, call the provider first before trying to pay for anything medical related in case you need pre-approval.
Are there any other safety concerns about travelling to Mexico?
Yes. The advisory from the federal government is to exercise a high degree of caution in Mexico in certain areas because of high levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.
In recent weeks, there have been violent clashes between rival armed groups in Culiacán, Mazatlán and their surrounding areas. Armed groups have stopped vehicles on the highway from Culiácan to Mazatlán and other major roads.
Anyone travelling in this area is encouraged to exercise extreme caution, limit movement, monitor local media for the latest information and follow the instructions of local authorities.
Canadians are urged to avoid non-essential travel to the following areas:
• Chiapas, excluding the cities of Palenque via highway 186 from Villahermosa, San Cristobal de las Casas and Tuxtla Gutiérrez
• Chihuahua, excluding Chihuahua City
• Colima, excluding the city of Manzanillo if accessed by air
• Guanajuato, in all areas south of and including highways 43D and 45D
• Guerrero, excluding the cities of Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo if accessed by air
• Jalisco, within 50 km of the border with Michoacán state the Lagunas de Zempoala National Park in Morelos
• Michoacán, excluding the cities of Morelia and Patzcuaro
• Nayarit, within 20 km of the border with the states of Sinaloa and Durango
• Nuevo Leon, excluding the city of Monterrey
• Sinaloa, excluding the city of Los Mochis
• Sonora, excluding the cities of Hermosillo, Guaymas/San Carlos and Puerto Peñasco
• Tamaulipas, excluding the city of Tampico
• Zacatecas, excluding Zacatecas City
Is there anything else I can do before I go?
Yes. Canadians travelling abroad should considering registering with the government’s Canadians Abroad service. It’s a free service that allows the Canadian government to notify you in case of an emergency at your destination or a personal emergency at home. The service also enables you to receive important information before or during a natural disaster or civil unrest.
Other advice includes leaving a detailed travel itinerary and contact details with family or friends in Canada and jotting down contact information for the Canadian government offices in the places you are visiting.