Health Information for Travelers to Mexico and Central America Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama Food and waterborne diseases are the number one cause of illness in travelers. Travelers' diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which are found throughout the region and can contaminate food or water. Make sure your food and drinking water are safe.
Malaria is a preventable infection that can be fatal if left untreated.
Risk for malaria exists all year in the rural lowlands and in some urban areas of the countries in this region. Travelers to these areas and to Panama west of the Canal Zone should take chloroquine to prevent malaria. A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required for entry into certain of these countries if you are traveling from a country in tropical South America or subSaharan Africa. Because motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury among travelers, walk and drive defensively. Avoid nighttime travel if possible and always use seat belts.