For more information, please see Acute Respiratory Illness Among U.S. Travelers to Mexico . 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.
Malaria risk exists in some parts of Mexico and Central America.
Travelers to malaria-risk areas in Mexico and Central America, including the Bocas del Toro Province of Panama, should take chloroquine as their antimalarial drug. For additional information on malaria risk and prevention, see Malaria Information for Travelers to Mexico and Central America . 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 sub-Saharan Africa. For detailed information, see Comprehensive Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements . Because motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury among travelers, walk and drive defensively.