Dear Divers Alert Network (DAN):

I'm taking a group to Cozumel, Mexico October 7 - 15, 1998, are there any vaccinations recommended?

Signed Phillip E. Graf, DAN Instructor Sponsor

Dear Phillip:

There are no required vaccinations to enter Mexico unless travelling from an area with Yellow Fever (Africa and some South American countries).

The Centers for Disease Control recommends the following:

You should consider Typhoid and Hepatitis B vaccinations.

Common Childhood Vaccinations

The normal 'childhood' vaccines should be up to date: measles, mumps, rubella (MMR); diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP) and polio vaccination.

Considerations for Travel:

Follow precautions to avoid insect bites

Pay attention to the quality of the drinking water and food

Consider Hepatitis A vaccination

Consider a booster dose of tetanus (Td) vaccine

Bruce Delphia, B.Sc., NREMT-P, DMT-A
DAN Staff Medical Specialist
Scuba Instructor-Trainer

Date: 7/21/98 23:36

Bruce

Thank you very much, so nothing on malaria?

Looks like I need a few vaccinations, thanks I will let my group know and get started on mine right away.

Signed Phillip E. Graf, DAN Instructor Sponsor

Phil

Ah, well, malaria prophylaxis is accomplished by taking oral medication (not a vaccination) - usually one pill a week starting the week before travel and every week of the travel and then for 4 weeks after you leave the malarial infested area.

In Mexico malaria is endemic in rural areas below 1000 feet/330 meters in elevation. There is no malaria risk in urban areas. The risk for malaria on the Pacific coast areas is deemed low. Malaria is pretty well controlled. In 1996 only 195 cases were reported in all of Mexico in the tourist areas. 175 of these occurred near Huatulco Bay (Oaxaca). If you travel to a rural area with a malaria problem malarial prophylaxis (chloroquine) is recommended. Otherwise, it is not recommended.

Bruce