Health risks

Belize is a developing country. Tourism facilities vary in quality, from business class hotels in the old capital of Belize City, to comfortable ecotourism lodges, to very basic accommodations.

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CRIME: Crime, including robbery and mugging, continues to be a problem. Belize City has been the site of more reported incidents than other areas of the country. While still rare, crimes against tourists at resorts are on the increase.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care is limited, and severe injuries or illness requiring emergency care may require evacuation to another country.

Arthropod borne diseases:

Malaria
Chagas disease
Dengue fever
Leishmaniasis

We recommend to prevent Arthropod borne diseases:

Usage of long-sleeved shirt and long pants to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects
Usage of insect repellent containing DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide), in 30%–35% strength for adults and 6%–10% for children. Unless you are staying in air-conditioned or well-screened housing
Usage of a bed net impregnated with the insecticide permethrin.
Staying and sleeping in air-conditioned houses

Water- and food borne diseases:

Hepatitis A
Amoebiasis
Brucellosis
Cholera
Typhoid fever

Other diseases:

Hepatitis B
Rabies

Vaccinations recommended:

Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG)
Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation.
Typhoid vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region.
A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within th last 10 years.
Yellow fever when entering from a yellow fever endemic region

Stay healthy:

Wash hands often with soap and water.
Drink only boiled water, or water and carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans
Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.
Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it
Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents (applied sparingly at 4-hour intervals) and permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn.
Prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot
Do not travel at night
Trafic accidents are frequent, be careful
Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.
Use chloroquine as malaria prophylaxis.

Compulsory vaccinations: yellow fever certificate if arriving from infected areas.

Recommended immunisations: *diphtheria, hepatitis A, *hepatitis B, *malaria, polio, *TB, tetanus, typhoid * recommended in some circumstances, travellers making 3 or more visits per year, stays of more than 3 months in a rural area, high-risk occupational groups & backpackers staying more than 1 month.

Risks: malaria exists in all areas but varies within regions. Risk is highest in the western & southern regions. Rabies.

Blood transfusion & tissue transplantation risk according to UK BTS:

Malaria: Yes, All year in whole country
Malaria Risk Category: A
Trypanasoma Cruzi Risk: Yes
Sub Saharan Africa: No
West Nile Virus Risk: No
Chikungunya VirusRisk: No

Yellow fever vaccination requirements and recommendations and malaria situation in Belize.
Food and Water Safety
HIV Risk
Check travelers health risks by CDC before, after and while traveling to Belize and prevention before arrival at Belize.

Travel data, health safety, warnings and recommendations for Canadian who willing to visit Belize.