Scuba divers, sun worshipers and bird watchers love Belize for its stunning beaches, Caribbean seas and dense jungles – but vaccines may help ensure a safer trip!
Routine vaccinations such as diphtheria, tetanus and polio are recommended for all travelers heading to Belize. In addition, malaria vaccination may also be considered due to mosquito-borne illness such as Chikungunya and Dengue Fever being potential risks.
What vaccinations or health precautions should I consider before traveling?
Belize is an increasingly popular travel destination, thanks to its stunning beaches and lush tropical jungles. With low population densities and diverse ecosystems, Belize makes for a wonderful birding and trekking adventure, not to mention Mayan ruins and Barrier Reef attractions. Due to limited health care available within Belize’s borders, travelers should ensure their diphtheria, tetanus and polio vaccinations are current; in addition, consider receiving vaccinations against hepatitis A/B/Typhoid/rabies vaccinations according to their itinerary.
Malaria can be found throughout the year in certain regions of the U.S., particularly during rainy seasons. Spread by day-biting mosquitoes, symptoms include fever, joint pains and headaches. Travelers can reduce their risk by wearing insect repellent, covering themselves and sleeping under bed nets; pregnant women should avoid mosquito bites altogether and consult their healthcare provider regarding malaria prevention measures.
Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease which affects humans and animals alike, has been reported in Guatemala and Belize following flooding caused by hurricanes or other weather events. Cases usually surface following hurricane flood waters becoming polluted. Prevention methods include washing clothing in hot water after coming in contact with flood waters, using insecticide-treated bedding, and not touching floodwater directly. Travelers should also make sure they receive regular immunizations such as tetanus-diphtheria vaccinations from their doctor prior to leaving home or abroad.
Belize is a hot, humid country where travelers should take precautions against sun exposure and heat-related illness such as dehydration. Travellers should drink plenty of fluids, wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat with UV protection, use sunscreen on skin burns to avoid burns from motor vehicle accidents, as well as practice safe driving while wearing seat belts; sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose another potential danger; travelers should practice safe sex by practicing safe sexual practices using condoms for added protection from exposure from sun exposure and heat-related illnesses caused by sun exposure from sun exposure and heat-related illnesses like dehydration. To stay hydrated it’s recommended that travellers drink lots of fluids as well as using sun protection from UV rays exposure for maximum protection from both sun and heat related illnesses related to heat related illness due to dehydration due to dehydration caused by drinking plenty of fluids while wearing wide brimmed hat and sunglasses are worn when driving as motor vehicle accidents often result in injuries so it’s wisely wearing seat belts when driving carefully when driving while practicing safe sex with regards sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Infections must also be protected against with condoms when travelling due to Belize climate related illness due to dehydration related illness and drink plenty of fluids while wearing plenty of sunblock and wearing protective clothing such as wide brimmed hat and sunblock being provided from UVA UVA radiation.
Rabies
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends rabies vaccinations for travelers spending time outdoors or participating in activities that could put them into contact with animals such as dogs, bats or mammals that could transmit rabies. When given within 24 hours after exposure it can be almost 100% effective against this potentially life-threatening virus; children, immunocompromised people and those planning extended stays in rural areas are particularly at risk for contracting it.
Dengue fever, commonly referred to as breakbone fever due to its effects on bone, joint and muscle pains, cannot be prevented through vaccination; therefore, it must be prevented through using insect repellents with high DEET content, wearing long sleeves and pants, sleeping under mosquito nets and eliminating standing water around your home as prevention strategies.
Your travel practitioner should discuss any risk for malaria in Belize with you and recommend preventive medications as necessary. In some areas of both Belize and Guatemala there may also be risk of giardiasis; therefore, you should discuss this matter as well.
Cholera and E coli are food- and waterborne illnesses that may be contracted while travelling to Belize. An oral vaccine administered over two sessions approximately one to six weeks apart provides long-term protection from both diseases for up to two years after completion of its course. All cats and dogs entering Belize must receive vaccination against screwworm at least one month prior to travel, along with an international health certificate and quarantine inspection at the port of entry. For more information on bringing your pet into Belize visit CDC Pet Travel Website; dogs must also present a valid import permit from BAHA which meets all conditions for importation as well as undergo quarantine upon their arrival at the airport.
Typhoid
Although not common in Belize, travelers should be mindful of the risk of Typhoid Fever caused by Salmonella typhi. While not common, this illness could prove life-threatening; proper treatment and vaccination can prevent serious complications including dehydration, organ failure and even death. Travelers visiting endemic areas – particularly rural communities – should get vaccination against Typhoid. In addition, travelers should educate themselves on food and water safety by drinking only bottled or boiled water and only eating produce that has been peeled and wash their hands with soap at regular intervals after using the restroom and prior to eating or other activities such as using public facilities or after using facilities / using public restrooms/when eating out or after using restroom facilities to ensure best protection.
CDC guidelines advise all travelers visiting Belize to stay current on routine vaccinations such as Hepatitis A & B, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria pertussis tetanus (DPT). Infants aged six months to eleven months travelling overseas should receive one additional MMR dose even if they have had two previous ones.
Dengue fever is a constant threat in Belize. A mosquito-borne infection causes bone, joint, and muscle pain as well as flu-like symptoms including fever, headaches, and fatigue. There is no vaccine against dengue fever, but you can protect yourself by covering up, using an insect repellent with at least 50 DEET and sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net.
Malaria poses a risk in certain parts of Belize at certain times of year, making preventative medication essential. A valid US prescription must also be obtained before crossing the border from America. Furthermore, travelers are strongly encouraged to wear long trousers and shirts whenever possible and utilize insect repellents as well as sleep under an insecticide-treated bed net to stay safe.
Hepatitis A & B
CDC advises travelers traveling to Belize to get both Hepatitis A and B vaccinations prior to arrival. Hepatitis A can spread through contact with blood-borne pathogens, Hepatitis B through sexual contact or through body fluid contact. Both vaccines should be given once, while for Hepatitis B the schedule consists of days 0, 28, 180 plus a blood test to verify antibody coverage.
Global Affairs Canada advises travelers of the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like Chikungunya and Dengue Fever in Belize. Chikungunya is a viral illness characterized by fever, joint pains, rashes and headaches; unfortunately, there are no effective vaccines or treatments available for Chikungunya infection; an infection during pregnancy may result in severe birth defects. Dengue Fever can lead to more serious symptoms including fever, muscle aches, rash and headache; it can even progress into dengue hemorrhagic fever – sometimes even leading to fatal consequences. Both diseases are spread by day-biting mosquitoes found most often found near tropical regions.
Malaria cases have decreased over the years, yet still remain a risk in certain rural areas and Belize City. Travelers to Alta Verapaz, El Salvador, Escuintla Guatemala Peten Departments at certain times of year should take preventive steps against malaria to stay safe.
Travelers should take precautions against helminths (worms), marine hazards, rabies, snakebites and tuberculosis when travelling abroad. Due to differing legal definitions of gender identity and expression in Belize, 2SLGBTQ+ travelers should also be aware that their identity may not always be recognized or accepted based on the nature of their trip – this could impact safety as well as accessing services.
Zika
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection usually presents with mild symptoms that last two to seven days – fever, rash and joint pain – but pregnancies with Zika infections may result in serious birth defects. As there is no vaccine against ZIKV infection during gestation, protecting pregnant women against mosquito bites during their gestation is advised and avoidance and protection during travel should be strictly adhered to during their pregnancies and practices safe sex should also be practiced during non-essential trips to places that present potential Zika risk as precautionary steps during gestation is recommended during any potential pregnancies with potential risks during their gestational period if possible.
Malaria There is a low risk of malaria in rural Belize, increasing at certain times of year; however, no risk exists in Belmopan and areas frequented by tourists such as beaches. Malaria treatment requires drugs, while prevention strategies include avoiding mosquito bites and using insect repellent; sleeping under an insect proof bed net when possible and staying in well-screened air-conditioned accommodations are effective measures.
Belize faces an elevated risk of dengue fever. This mosquito-borne infection caused by a flavivirus manifests with symptoms including fever, rash, joint pain and swollen eyes; travelers to tropical areas or high-risk countries like Belize should get their vaccination. The vaccine against dengue is effective and serves as an ideal preventative measure.
Belize poses a moderate risk of tuberculosis, which is spread by bacteria. Precautions and vaccination are highly advised for those spending extended time in low-income areas, including using bottled water and practicing good hand hygiene, covering open wounds with gauze dressings, staying in rooms with running air conditioning, avoiding contact with dogs, cats or bats and avoiding contact with dogs, cats or bats. Travelers to Belize should also consider getting a tetanus booster shot which usually covers them for 10 years; travelers should consider also investing in medical insurance that includes emergency evacuation or hospitalization should get comprehensive cover when visiting.
