Typhoid Travel: Navigating Belize's Health Risks

Belize is a country in Central America, with a tropical climate and a diverse range of nature and wildlife. It is a popular tourist destination, with attractions including archaeological sites, museums, and natural wonders such as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. However, as with any travel destination, there are health risks to consider before visiting Belize.

The CDC recommends that all travellers to Belize ensure they are up to date with routine immunisations, including MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) and COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, they advise travellers to get vaccinated against typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis).

Typhoid is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by Salmonella Typhi, which spreads through contaminated food and water in areas with poor sanitation. Therefore, it is essential to practise good hygiene and take precautions with food and water to prevent infection.

How long before travelling to Belize should I book an appointment for vaccines?

The CDC recommends that travellers visit their doctor at least a month before their trip to Belize to get the vaccines or medicines they may need. This is because some vaccines require multiple doses, and it is important to allow enough time for the vaccines to take effect before travelling. It is also a good idea to allow some time to recover from any potential side effects of the vaccines.

The specific vaccines and medicines that are recommended or required for Belize include:

• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Polio
• Yellow Fever
• Chikungunya
• Rabies
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Chickenpox
• Shingles
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)

In addition to getting the necessary vaccines and medicines, it is important to take other precautions when travelling to Belize, such as:

• Practising good food and water safety
• Avoiding insect bites
• Preventing and treating animal bites
• Following safety guidelines for swimming and other outdoor activities

What are the recommended vaccinations for Belize?

Belize is a country with a variety of potential health risks, and it is important to be aware of the recommended vaccinations before travelling there. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Belize:

• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Polio
• Yellow Fever
• Chikungunya
• Rabies
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Chickenpox
• Shingles
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis)
• Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

The CDC also recommends that all travellers are up to date with their routine vaccinations, including:

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

In addition, there has been evidence of chikungunya virus transmission in Belize within the last 5 years, so travellers may wish to consider the chikungunya vaccination if they are aged 65 or older, or planning to stay in Belize for 6 months or more.

It is also worth noting that there is no specific requirement for vaccinations when entering Belize, but it is always best to check with a healthcare professional for the most up-to-date and personalised advice.

What are the risks of not getting vaccinated for Belize?

The CDC and WHO recommend that travellers get vaccinated for typhoid before visiting Belize. Typhoid is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by Salmonella Typhi, which spreads through contaminated food and water in areas with poor sanitation. While the risk of contracting typhoid fever in Belize is lower than in southern Asia, it is still present in the country and can be life-threatening.

If you choose not to get vaccinated for typhoid before travelling to Belize, you are at risk of contracting the disease through contaminated food and water sources. To prevent this, it is recommended that you practice good hygiene and safe food and water precautions, such as:

• Avoiding tap water, even in the capital cities.
• Treating water through boiling, filtration, chlorination, or disinfection using ultraviolet light.
• Avoiding consuming unpasteurized dairy products and raw or undercooked meat, fish, or vegetables.
• Washing leafy greens and raw vegetables thoroughly and disinfecting or cooking them before consumption.
• Avoiding street food.

Additionally, not getting vaccinated for typhoid can increase your risk of experiencing severe disease if you do contract the illness. People with underlying medical conditions, such as chronic liver or kidney disease, haemophilia, or those who are immunocompromised, are at an increased risk of severe disease and complications from typhoid.

Therefore, it is important to weigh the risks and take the necessary precautions to protect your health when travelling to Belize.

What other health risks should I be aware of in Belize?

Belize is a developing Central American nation with a range of health risks that travellers should be aware of. The country has a tropical climate, with a dry season from February to April and a rainy season from May to December. The CDC recommends that travellers are up to date on their routine immunisations, including chickenpox, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR). In addition, the following vaccinations are recommended or required for Belize:

• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Polio
• Yellow Fever
• Chikungunya
• Rabies
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Shingles
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis)

Belize is also known to have insects carrying diseases such as chikungunya, dengue, leishmaniasis, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. Insect repellent and netting are recommended to prevent bug bites. Food and water safety is also a concern, with travellers advised to follow CDC guidelines and opt for fully cooked dishes, bottled beverages, and avoiding street food.

There are additional health risks in Belize that travellers should be aware of, including:

• High levels of criminal activity, particularly in southern Belize City and along the country's borders. Tourists are often targeted for crimes such as petty theft, pickpocketing, and credit card fraud. Sexual harassment and assault have also been reported, especially when travelling alone or in small groups.
• Traffic-related injuries and road traffic deaths are a significant risk for travellers in Belize.
• Basic safety standards for recreational water activities, such as scuba diving and snorkelling, may not be in place. It is recommended to rent equipment from reputable operators and only dive with certified personnel.
• High risk of violent crime, including armed robbery, home invasion, assault, sexual assault, carjacking, gang-related violence, and murder.
• Protests and demonstrations occur throughout the country and have the potential to turn violent without warning.
• Hurricanes, floods, mudslides, and landslides are natural disasters that can occur during the hurricane season from June to November.
• High risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, which is present in some areas of the country.
• Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies. Dogs infected with rabies are sometimes found in Belize, and the disease is also present in some terrestrial wildlife species.

What should I do if I can't get vaccinated before travelling to Belize?

If you are unable to get vaccinated before travelling to Belize, there are several precautions you can take to protect your health and safety.

Firstly, it is important to be aware of the specific risks associated with travelling to Belize. Some of the diseases that are commonly prevented by vaccinations, such as typhoid, hepatitis A, rabies, and malaria, are present in Belize. Therefore, it is crucial to take extra care to avoid exposure to these diseases. This includes practising good hygiene, safe food and water precautions, and avoiding contact with animals.

Additionally, mosquito-borne diseases like chikungunya, dengue, and Zika are prevalent in Belize. To reduce your risk of contracting these diseases, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and stay in accommodations with screens or air conditioning.

It is also important to be vigilant about personal security and road safety in Belize. Use common sense, stay alert and aware of your surroundings, and follow local laws and customs. When travelling by road, use official taxis or public transportation, wear a seatbelt, and avoid driving at night.

Furthermore, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider or travel health specialist before your trip to get destination-specific advice and information about preventing and treating common illnesses and injuries. They can also advise you on any last-minute vaccinations that may be available and appropriate for your travel plans.

Finally, consider purchasing travel health insurance and medical evacuation insurance to ensure access to quality healthcare services while abroad.

Frequently asked questions