Job Discussion Forums

GirlfromCanada · Joined: 13 Oct 2006 Posts: 17 Location: Toronto, Canada

Hi!...Just read an article in Toronto's Globe and Mail this morning. Says that 40% of people travelling to Mexico become ill with travellers diarrhea...and possibly malaria etc....

Is it really that bad?? When I travelled in the Playacar area last winter I stayed healthy...I also watched what I ate but I have to admit that worrying about what to eat and drink dampened my experience somewhat. Some of my colleagues did get sick (stomach issues).

can I get your feelings on this? Do you guys keep healthy? Any advice?? What about Malaria ...do you live with DEET??

Thanks Smile

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

I've never heard of malaria being an issue here. Perhaps only in the hot jungle areas of the deep south? Did the Globe n Mail article mention dengue? You'll find that too, but it's not that common. Geurrero state and city officials run an awareness program for mosquito control every rainy season.

We are discussing health issues in Latin America over at http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=44369 Maybe that will be helpful

40% sounds high to me, but I guess it fits with the notion of Mexico. 40% of what people? Those that vacation in Cancun two weeks per year? Those that backpack all over the country?

I got Moctezuma's Revenge the first weekend I'd arrived here, then never got it again. I chalked it up to different food and different organisms in the environment.

Ben Round de Bloc · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1946

I'd say 40% of those traveling to this corner of the country on short vacations sounds about right. I agree with what Guy mentioned, that a lot has to do with the type of vacation as well as the climate in the particular part of the country.

For those who stay here (in this part of the country) on a long-term basis, I'd say the percentage is closer to 90%. I can't think of many people I know who have stayed long-term and not had at least one bout with the bichos (parasites/amoebas.) I'd say it's about the same percentage for locals, actually. Lots of locals and long-term foreigners standardly take "the treatment" (quinfamida) every 7 to 9 months or whenever the need arises.

GirlfromCanada · Joined: 13 Oct 2006 Posts: 17 Location: Toronto, Canada

thanks Guy....I checked out that link. I'm happy to hear that people are keeping healthy down there. That's good news!

The article was referring to travellers staying at resorts.

Is there any types of foods I should avoid? Is it true that everything must be either peeled, boiled or cooked? Will I have to give up my fresh vegs and fruits (unless they're peeled, boiled or cooked?) thanks

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Avoid peeled fruit or fruit n cream sold on the streets, unless you watch them peel it. That said, in DF, there are many stands that make liquados or milkshakes. Very popular and healthy. They peel the fruit in front of you and are renowned for being healthy, though you would want to avoid any such stands that are obviously very dirty.

There a million and one foods cooked and sold on the street. A general rule of thumb I use is that if a place is popular, it's probably ok, since Mexicans get sick too. If it's barren, I'll avoid it. I eat street tacos or quesadillas almost every day.

Otherwise, you might be surprised by how clean established restaurants are...then there are the run-down looking mom n pop places. Again, who's eating there? Full? Empty?

Do wash your store or stall-bought veggies and fruit well. It's easy to get bottles of iodine drops or some other anti-bacterial. I just wash in tap water and I'm fine.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

GirlfromCanada · Joined: 13 Oct 2006 Posts: 17 Location: Toronto, Canada

Is dengue really common? Have you had it? Unfortunately mosquitoes really LOVE me. I was bitten quite a bit in Playacar but nothing came of it. What can you do to prevent dengue? thanks

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Well, on my campus there are about 1000 students and staff. In the last year or so, maybe a dozen people here have caught dengue, so I guess that means there was a roughly 1% chance of catching dengue in the last year. YMMV, but it's not exactly a raging plague.

I don't think it's something to be too concerned about: you could stay in your home country and be run over by a bus. You have to take chances if you want an interesting life.