Belize Travel Vaccines: What You Need

Belize is a country in Central America, bordered by Mexico and Guatemala. It is known for its tropical climate, diverse nature, and rich culture. When planning a trip to Belize, it is important to consider the recommended and required vaccines to ensure a safe and healthy journey.

While there are no mandatory vaccinations specifically required for entry into Belize, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organisations suggest several vaccinations and health precautions for travellers. These include staying up to date with routine vaccinations such as MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus), polio, influenza, and chickenpox. Additionally, vaccines against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid are recommended, especially for those who may be exposed to bodily fluids or have an increased risk of foodborne illnesses.

Furthermore, the CDC advises that certain travellers, such as those spending significant time outdoors or working with animals, consider receiving the rabies vaccine. It is also important to be aware of the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like chikungunya, dengue fever, and Zika virus. While there is no vaccine available for these diseases, protecting yourself against mosquito bites is essential.

Lastly, if you are arriving in Belize from a country where yellow fever is prevalent, you must provide proof of inoculation against the disease.

Routine vaccinations

It is important to be up to date on all routine vaccinations before travelling to Belize. The CDC and WHO recommend the following routine vaccinations for Belize:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine: This vaccine is given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. A one-time adult booster is recommended.
• DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus) vaccine: Only one adult booster of pertussis is required.
• Polio vaccine: Required if arriving from a region with active polio transmission. It is considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries, and a single adult booster is recommended.
• Chickenpox vaccine: Given to those unvaccinated who did not have chickenpox.
• Influenza vaccine: The vaccine components change annually.
• COVID-19 vaccine: Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic.

In addition to these routine vaccinations, other vaccines might be recommended or required depending on your personal situation and travel plans. These include vaccines against typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, pneumonia, meningitis, shingles, and more. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider or travel health professional to determine which vaccines are necessary for your specific needs and itinerary.

Malaria and mosquito-borne diseases

Belize is a beautiful country with white sandy beaches, pristine rainforests, and turquoise waters. However, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with travelling to the country. Malaria and mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika, are present in some regions of Belize. Here is some detailed information about these diseases and how to protect yourself:

Malaria:

Malaria is a serious and sometimes deadly disease caused by a parasite transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The risk of malaria in Belize is generally low, but it is still present in some parts of the country. It is important to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and to be aware of the symptoms of malaria. If you are travelling to an area of Belize where there is a risk of malaria, be sure to talk to your doctor about antimalarial medications and get a malaria prescription before your trip. Continue taking the medication as directed during and after your trip, as recommended by the CDC.

Dengue Fever:

Dengue fever is a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite during the day and are commonly found in urban areas. Symptoms of dengue fever include high fever, severe joint and muscle pain, and a rash. There is currently no vaccine available for dengue fever, so prevention relies on avoiding mosquito bites. Be sure to use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and stay in accommodations with window screens or air conditioning.

Chikungunya:

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Symptoms of chikungunya include fever, joint pain, headache, and a rash. The CDC recommends that travellers over 65, especially those with underlying medical conditions, consider getting the chikungunya vaccine if they plan to spend time in areas of Belize where mosquitoes are present. For all other travellers, prevention of chikungunya relies on avoiding mosquito bites.

Zika Virus:

Zika is a virus transmitted by mosquito bites, and it poses a risk of birth defects if contracted during pregnancy. There is currently no vaccine available for Zika. To prevent Zika, use mosquito repellent, wear protective clothing, and eliminate mosquito breeding sites, such as containers of stagnant water.

In addition to these mosquito-borne diseases, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and typhoid are also present in Belize and are transmitted by insects such as triatomine bugs, sand flies, and ticks. Taking precautions to avoid insect bites is essential to reducing the risk of these diseases.

Food and water safety

Water

Tap water in Belize is generally not considered safe to drink, even in cities and tourist areas. It is recommended to drink bottled water or purify water through boiling or using a portable water purifier. Some accommodations provide purified water in big jugs, but it is always good to carry a water purifier as a backup.

Food

It is recommended to follow the CDC guidelines for food safety when eating out in Belize. Opt for fully cooked dishes and avoid raw seafood. Choose eateries that maintain good hygiene practices and avoid street food. Be cautious with ice, and only consume alcohol in moderation. Wash your hands frequently and practice good personal hygiene to prevent travellers' diarrhea.

Specific Food Recommendations

Belize offers a mix of Caribbean, Mexican, African, Spanish, and Mayan culinary influences. Here are some specific recommendations and considerations:

• Rice and beans: This is a common staple in Belize and is often served as an accompaniment to main dishes. "Rice and beans" are usually cooked together, sometimes in coconut milk, while "beans and rice" are cooked and served separately.
• Stew chicken, stew beef, and stew fish: These Kriol-based recipes are dark stews flavoured with a mix of spices and red recado, made from annatto seed or achiote.
• Chimole or black gumbo: A similar stew to the above, commonly found in Belize.
• Conch fritters: A popular appetizer of deep-fried balls of flour batter and chopped conch meat, commonly found on coastal menus.
• Sandwiches and snacks: Simple tacos, tamales, and garnaches (fried corn tortillas topped with beans, cheese, or meat) are widely available. You can also find traditional sandwiches and American-style burgers.
• Meat, poultry, and wild game: Belizeans consume a variety of meat, including some interesting game options like gibnut (paca) and iguana. However, it is recommended to avoid ordering wild game, especially sea turtle, as it is endangered.
• Seafood: Belize offers an abundance of fresh seafood, including shrimp, conch, lobster (in season), grouper, snapper, and dorado (mahimahi). Grilled or fried preparations are generally the safest options.
• Vegetables: Fresh garden salads are rare, and vegetables are not commonly served as sides with meals.
• Fruits: Enjoy an array of tropical fruits like mangoes, papayas, pineapples, melons, bananas, cashew fruit, and carambola (star fruit).
• Desserts: Expect simple desserts like coconut pie, chocolate pie, bread pudding, and flan.

Animal bites

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not let animal saliva come into contact with your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and faeces.
• Supervise travelling pets closely and do not allow them to come into contact with local animals.
• If you wake up in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
• Be extra cautious around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Inform your doctor about the injury when you return to your home country.
• Consider buying medical evacuation insurance, as rabies must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be readily available in some countries.

In addition to animal bites, there are other risks associated with animals in Belize. These include:

• Scorpions: These are common in Belize, especially in dark corners, beaches, and piles of wood. They are large and black, and their sting is similar to a bee sting. For some people, it can be more serious or life-threatening.
• Spiders: While spiders typically avoid humans, it is still important to be cautious. Tarantulas are not uncommon in Belize, and while their bites are usually not life-threatening, they can be painful. The brown recluse spider is also found in Belize, and its bite can cause the surrounding flesh to become gangrenous.
• Snakes: Belize is home to a variety of venomous snakes, including the Fer De Lance, the Mayan coral snake, and the Neotropical Rattlesnake. To avoid snake bites, be aware of your surroundings and be able to identify the different species.

Travel health advice

Before travelling to Belize, it is recommended that you are up to date with your routine vaccinations. These include:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
• DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus)
• Polio
• Chickenpox
• Flu

Additionally, the following vaccinations are recommended for travel to Belize:

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

It is also advised to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Malaria, Dengue Fever, Zika Virus, and Chikungunya, which are prevalent in Belize. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance and seek pre-travel health advice from a healthcare professional.

Food and water safety is another important consideration when travelling to Belize. To reduce the risk of travellers' diarrhea, practice good hand hygiene, be cautious with ice, and avoid unsanitary street food.

To protect yourself from insect bites, wear long clothing, use insect repellent, and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.

Finally, be aware of the risk of animal bites, particularly from dogs and wildlife that may carry rabies. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, seek immediate medical attention and wash the wound with soap and water.

Frequently asked questions