Health risks

[Sunsplash]

First, thanks to everyone for the great info here -- it's very helpful.

My wife and I and another couple are taking our first trip to Tulum in two weeks, staying at Piedra Escondida. We're really looking forward to the trip, but have a few questions about health risks.

I did a quick search on the CDC site and found that all of Quintana Roo is rated as having a moderate risk for exposure to malaria. Does anyone here worry about that? Do you take malaria-preventive medicine before traveling to Tulum and points south? Are there any other health risks we ought to be aware of (beside drinking the water) before traveling?

Extra bonus points for anyone with info about Piedra Escondida. We'll return the favor with a trip report and photos when we get back. Thanks!

[BeachDude]

Good question, that was something I was wondering about also, considering all the mosquitos...

One thing I usually take when going on ANY trip is this stuff called "Airborne"... it's basically a high dosage vitamin filled with stuff to boost your immune system. It's like an alka-seltzer, you put it in water and drink it. I usually make a glass or two on the plane. I don't suppose it could hurt... probably wouldn't fend off malaria, lol, but it might prevent you from picking up any nasty cold viruses on the plane, etc.

[sctx]

There might be a slight malaria risk in the swampy areas around Tulum, I've never worried about it to tell you the truth. You will not be able to donate blood for a year after you return from Quintana roo. There are occasional conjunctivitis epidemics down there, so it may be wise to remember this when you interact with the local residents

[boomboomtulum]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news..... but if you and your friends are worried about such things maybe tulum is not the place for you afterall...
I never want to discourage people from discovering and enjoying this place, but i gotta wonder!

Regardless, i have an antidote which i will give you momentarily.

Piedra Escondida is a great place. It is very unpretenious like all of Tulum, It is only 8 room on this great little pocket beach. The rooms are great..clean and nice all face the beach which is all about 10 steps away. Nice restaurant which goes pretty unnoticed by most who visit tulum, great service and friendly staff.. breakfast.. the hotcakes are my kids favorites that even when we stay somewhere else i have to left them have breakfast there.
the only draw back is that you cant walk the beaches in this location due to rocks...we, have stayed there 3 times in the past year and will go back..

oh yea, the antidote....taken in measured doses..."traditionale" the tequila and any cervesa
have a great time

[Sunsplash]

Thanks for the info on Piedra Escondida -- that's exactly the vibe we got when checking it out on the web.

As for your antidote, it's comforting to know that we've been building up immunity to malaria for years thanks to a strict tequila regimen. We've vacationed in the Out Islands of the Bahamas for years, where coconut rum is the primary defense against jungle fever and Taking Yourself Too Seriously.

I think we'll adapt well to Mexico...

[Gale in KY]

Hi Sunsplash, The only concern I have when visiting Mexico is "Tourista"..bugs and mosquitos can be effectively controlled with DEET, sunburn is a BIG concern, Use Sunscreen liberally. Tourista, that nasty stomach bug thing that many tourists seem to suffer from is the one thing you can't predict or control..

I think it often happens because we try to consume everything in site..lol..all the food is soooo good, and we just want to sample all those things that are often foreign to our normal diets..Fruits and vegtables are generally safe if you can peel or skin them..I tend to eat very light when on vacation, so I have never really suffered from this, but, a local told me the best thing to do if you are is to squeeze the juice of two limes and drink it down. The acid of the limes counteracts the bacteria often responsible for Tourista symptoms. If there is any doubt, don't eat it. Watch street vendors..if they handle money and then food without washing their hands etc. eat something else. Common sense prevails here, just like it would anywhere when it comes to safe food.

Drink bottled water, never tap. Ice should be ok anywhere you go, they make this from distilled, but, if you are concerned that it might not be, just look for a little indentation/hole in the cube..this tells you it is made with distilled water.

Keep you mouth shut when showering, so you don't consume the shower water coming out of the tap..lol..I have even been told some people hold their breath..guess this makes for a short shower and is good for the ecology of water conservation too!

[bill2354]

We've been going to Quintana Roo for the last three years, twice in April and onlce in July, and have never come across anyone or heard of anyone on any board getting malaria. As a matter of fact, we've never really been plagued by bug bites at all. That doesn't mean that there is no risk at all, just that it seems sensible to take it as a very small risk.
I know that you will have a great time, as you seem seasoned in boh yout vacationing and drinking skills and the Tulum region is a marvelous place to vacation while imbibing appropriately!!
Great beaches, great people, great beer!!
Have a blast!!!:D