Staying Healthy In Belize: Tips To Avoid Getting Sick

Belize is a developing semi-tropical country with high standards of health and hygiene. However, there are some health concerns that travellers should be aware of before visiting the country. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and avoid getting sick during your trip to Belize:

- Get recommended vaccinations and medicines: Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic for advice on necessary vaccinations and medicines. Some recommended vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), chickenpox (varicella), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and hepatitis A and B.

- Food and water precautions: While the water is generally safe to drink in most areas of Belize, it is advisable to drink bottled water or use water treatment options when hiking or camping. Practise safe food and water precautions, especially when it comes to street food. Wash your hands frequently and consider carrying hand sanitiser.

- Insect bite prevention: Protect yourself from insect bites, especially mosquitoes, which can transmit diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika virus, and malaria. Use insect repellent, wear light-coloured clothing, and consider using mosquito nets when sleeping.

- Sun protection: Use sunscreen liberally and consider wearing a shirt while snorkelling to protect yourself from sunburn, which is a common issue for fair-skinned travellers.

- Avoid high-risk activities: Violent crime, including sexual assault, home invasions, and armed robberies, is common in Belize, even in tourist areas. Avoid travelling alone, especially at night, and stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

- Medical facilities: Medical facilities in Belize vary in quality, and rural areas may have limited access to healthcare. Consider purchasing travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage in case you need to seek treatment in the United States.

Get your vaccines and medicines in order

Vaccines and medicines are an important part of staying healthy while travelling in Belize. Here are some recommendations and things to keep in mind:

• Visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get advice on any vaccines or medicines you may need.
• Ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, chickenpox (varicella), and COVID-19.
• There is evidence of the chikungunya virus in Belize, so consider getting the chikungunya vaccine, especially if you are older, have underlying medical conditions, or plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.
• Hepatitis A and B are risks in Belize, so get vaccinated if you are unvaccinated.
• Rabies is present in Belize, mainly in dogs and some wildlife. If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors or in close contact with animals, consider getting a rabies vaccine.
• Malaria is a slight risk in Belize, especially in remote areas in the far south. Chloroquine is often prescribed as a prophylaxis for malaria and should be taken one week before arrival, weekly during the trip, and for four weeks after returning.
• Dengue fever is not common but does occur in the region. There is no preventive medicine, so take measures to avoid mosquito bites.
• Insect-borne diseases like Zika, chikungunya, and malaria are present in Belize, so use insect repellent and wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing to protect yourself.
• Waterborne and foodborne diseases are common in Belize, so drink boiled or bottled water and avoid raw or undercooked food.
• Make sure to bring any prescription medications you need, as some may be illegal or hard to obtain in Belize. Always keep them in their original container and pack them in your carry-on luggage.
• Bring over-the-counter medications you routinely take, as they may be different or unavailable in Belize.
• Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and hospital stays in case you need emergency medical care.

Be cautious of what you eat and drink

Belize is known for its incredible cuisine, a fusion of Caribbean, Mexican, and Creole flavours. However, it's important to be cautious about what you eat and drink to avoid getting sick. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy while enjoying the delicious food and drinks that Belize has to offer:

• Stick to bottled water or purified water: The tap water in Belize is not considered safe for drinking. Use bottled or purified water for drinking, brushing your teeth, and washing fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid ice cubes: Be cautious of consuming beverages with ice cubes as they might be made from tap water. Ask for drinks without ice or request ice made from bottled water.
• Be cautious of unpasteurized dairy products: Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt can be a source of harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. Opt for pasteurized dairy to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
• Ensure meat and seafood are thoroughly cooked: Belize offers delicious meat and seafood dishes, but make sure they are properly cooked to avoid harmful bacteria and parasites such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Vibrio.
• Wash and peel fruits and vegetables: While fresh fruits and vegetables are healthy, they can be contaminated with bacteria, parasites, or pesticides. Thoroughly wash and peel them before consuming. Opt for cooked or grilled options when dining out for added precaution.
• Choose reputable food vendors: When exploring street food, look for vendors who prioritize cleanliness and have a good reputation among locals and tourists. Pay attention to the hygiene practices of the food handlers to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.
• Be wary of snacks and beverages offered by strangers: Spiked food and drinks, including snacks, beverages, gum, and cigarettes, may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. It's best to be cautious and decline such offerings from new acquaintances.

By following these precautions, you can enjoy the unique and delicious cuisine of Belize while minimizing the risk of foodborne illnesses and other health issues.

Protect yourself from bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Belize. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can, however, reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent.
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on the skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredients provide longer protection:
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

Stay safe in and around water

Water sports are popular in Belize, but there are some safety precautions you should take to stay safe.

Firstly, ensure you have the correct safety equipment and that it is in good condition. Research your tour operator and always wear a life jacket, even if you are a strong swimmer.

Secondly, be aware that transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. There have been several injuries and fatalities from water-based activities, including snorkelling and scuba diving. To reduce your risk, only use registered and licensed operators and ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements.

Thirdly, waterborne diseases are common in Belize, so drink boiled or bottled water and avoid raw and undercooked food.

Finally, be aware that the coastal waters in Belize can be dangerous. Riptides are common, and rescue services may not meet international standards. Only swim in designated swimming areas, obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches, and don't swim alone, after hours, or outside marked areas.

Be aware of your surroundings

Being aware of your surroundings is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe in Belize. Here are some tips to help you stay alert and avoid potential dangers:

• Stay informed about your surroundings by monitoring local media and staying up to date with travel advisories and alerts. Be aware of any potential safety or security risks in the area.
• Avoid travelling alone, especially after dark. There is safety in numbers, and your risk of harassment and violent assault increases when travelling solo.
• Keep your vehicle windows closed and doors locked at all times, and never leave valuables unattended in your vehicle.
• Be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewellery.
• Use only licensed taxis with green number plates, and never board taxis at taxi stands or flag them down on the street.
• When taking public transportation, be cautious of pickpocketing and purse snatching, especially in crowded areas.
• Be wary of strangers approaching you or recent acquaintances offering you food, drinks, or rides.
• Avoid isolated areas, unlit alleys, and unsupervised beaches, especially after dark.
• Stay alert and avoid walking or driving at night, as road safety is a significant concern in Belize due to poorly maintained roads, reckless drivers, and a lack of street lighting.
• Keep a valid ID and a charged cellphone with you at all times.
• If you feel threatened, it is better to hand over your cash and valuables without resistance.

By following these guidelines and staying aware of your surroundings, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of crime or encountering dangerous situations in Belize.

Frequently asked questions