Health, Safety, & Security
Health & Safety
The U.S. Department of State Mexico Travel Advisory describes the health and safety situation in different parts of Mexico.
Consult your physician about your health in light of your travel plans and review your vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information on recommended vaccinations for travel to Mexico at CDC Health Information for Travelers to Mexico.
Be aware of your environment. The high altitude in Cuernavaca (5,000 feet) and Mexico City (7,300 feet) may cause you to tire easily. In addition, the pollution in these cities can be very bad. This tends to be especially true during the dry season (November to late May). If you have a history of allergies, other respiratory illnesses, or heart problems, you could experience complications during your stay. If you use medication for these problems, be sure to bring an adequate amount after consulting your doctor.
If you get sick, please let your trip leader or CGEE staff know right away. This will help to pinpoint problems with food and water. They can arrange a visit to a doctor or medical clinic if necessary.
Possible Ailments
COVID-19: Read CDC information on COVID-19.
Traveler’s Diarrhea: Just the change in food, water, and climate can lead to an upset stomach. If you get diarrhea, treat it with Pepto-Bismol and drink lots of water. When you are ready to eat again, start with rice, bread, crackers, and broth (bring bouillon cubes or dry soup). Imodium (Loperamide is the generic equivalent) is a stronger medication to be used only when absolutely necessary. It does not cure diarrhea but slows down the digestive system, which can lead to other problems. Herbal teas such as ginger root, raspberry, comfrey, and peppermint are thought to aid in the prevention and treatment of diarrhea. Feel free to bring some tea bags with you.
Malaria: Malaria is a mosquito-borne illness that is present in some regions of Mexico (primarily in rural areas). See CDC information on malaria transmission areas in Mexico (scroll down the page to color-coded map).
Dengue Fever: This disease is primarily an urban viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes. Since there is no preventative medicine for dengue fever, take measures to avoid mosquito bites such as using DEET repellent and covering your arms and legs, especially from dusk to dawn. Learn more about the Risk of Dengue Fever.
Typhoid: Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food and/or water, or directly between people. The CDC recommends a typhoid vaccination for those traveling to rural areas or small cities.
Scorpions: In some parts of Mexico scorpions are common. Most are not poisonous, but some people may have an allergic reaction to the sting, just as with bee or wasp stings. The best way to avoid being stung is to not walk around barefoot, to look before you get out of bed, and to shake out your clothing and shoes before putting them on.
