Is Traveling To Cancun, Mexico, Safe From The Zika Virus?

Travel to areas with an active Zika Travel Health Notice is advised, and if travel is unavoidable, follow recommendations to prevent mosquito bites. Dengue is endemic throughout Mexico, and virus transmission is a risk year-round. Large outbreaks occur periodically, and Zika is also a risk in Mexico.

Cancun has been actively addressing security issues, providing tourists with updated safety information and alerts via the GuestAssist mobile app and installing more than 3,000 surveillance cameras since 2017. However, it is generally safe to travel to Cancun due to its size and popularity. There is always a risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito, and Cancun has standing water in certain areas.

The CDC does not list Mexico as a “no travel zone”, but there have been at least 18 confirmed cases of mosquito-born Zika in Mexico. Although the Zika virus has not been fully eradicated in Mexico, it is no longer considered a large threat in the Cancun area to visitors and residents.

Cancun has several mosquitoes, but Zika virus is not prominent in the city, making it a pretty safe vacation spot. If traveling, prevent mosquito bites and sexual exposure to Zika during and after travel. Malaria and Zika virus are risks in Mexico, and pregnant women should consult their doctor about the risk before travel.

There have only been cases of Zika in central Mexico since 2020, and the risk is very low due to the lack of registered cases in the area. Cancun is also very safe because they spray for Zika.

How safe is Cancun right now?

Cancun, a popular destination for American tourists, has a crime index of 55, compared to other major cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Chicago. However, state-level statistics don’t provide a complete picture of the crime rate in Cancun. Mexico, which heavily relies on American tourists, has taken steps to improve safety and security in recent years to ensure the safety of its residents. Cancun is one of the easiest tropical getaways to visit, with flights from major US international airports being relatively short compared to destinations like the Maldives or Tahiti. Therefore, it’s essential to consider staying safe in Cancun when planning a trip to the region.

Is it safe to travel to Mexico pregnant Zika?

It is not possible to prevent infection with the Zika virus by vaccination or the administration of medication. Consequently, women should avoid becoming pregnant while travelling in the country and for a period of two months following their last exposure, particularly if a male partner has also travelled.

Is Zika still a problem in Mexico?

The Zika virus is currently circulating in Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean region, and a few limited areas of the continental United States. Travelers should take precautions while traveling to countries with active Zika transmission and prevent mosquito bites upon returning home. A World Health Organization-approved bed net, white, compact, and rectangular with 156 holes per square inch, is recommended, as permethrin-treated nets provide more protection than untreated nets.

Is there Zika in Mexico in 2024?

Mexico has been experiencing a surge in cases of diseases such as Chikungunya, Dengue, Zika, and Leishmaniasis since 2014. Dengue is endemic throughout the country, with large outbreaks occurring periodically. Zika is also a risk, with pregnant or trying to become pregnant individuals and their sex partners being advised to be aware of the latest CDC recommendations. Sand flies transmitting cutaneous leishmaniasis are found in southern Mexico and along the Pacific and Gulf coasts.

The risk is highest for ecotourists, field biologists, and long-term travelers. To reduce the risk of sand fly bites, travelers should avoid outdoor activities at night, wear protective clothing, apply insect repellent, and sleep in air-conditioned or well-screened areas. Malaria incidence has decreased in recent decades, making the risk of infection low among travelers to Mexico. Plasmodium vivax malaria prophylaxis is recommended for travelers visiting Chiapas and the southern part of Chihuahua, while mosquito avoidance is recommended for those visiting Campeche, Durango, Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa, Sonora, and Tabasco.

When was the last Zika case in Mexico?

In 2023, Mexico reported 29 cases of the Zika virus disease, a rise from 12 cases in 2016. In 2016, the North American country had the highest number of Zika infections, with over 8, 000 cases. Brazil was the most affected country in the Latin American and Caribbean region. Zika, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, is also a vector of dengue fever. In Latin America, nearly 37, 000 infections were reported in 2023, with most reported in Brazil. The disease can be sexually transmitted and acquired through blood transfusions.

In 2021, Brazil reported 287 cases of microcephaly in children, a slight decrease from recent years. Preventive measures include controlling mosquito populations, raising awareness about repellent use, and promoting safe sex practices. The market for the Zika virus vaccine in Latin America could be worth approximately 2. 67 billion U. S. dollars by 2024.

Where in Mexico is Zika free?

Chihuahua (North Mexico) has no reported Zika cases, but dengue virus (DENV) transmission is common. A large proportion of ZIKV infection is estimated to be asymptomatic, suggesting that asymptomatic cases may play a role in transmission to mosquitoes in a manner similar to other vector-borne diseases. The clinical and serological diagnosis of Zika can be confused with dengue, which could explain the absence of reported Zika cases in the state.

ZIKV detected in male Ae. aegypti indicates possible transovarial and/or venereal transmission, suggesting that inter-vectorial ZIKV transmission in mosquitoes could contribute to the maintenance of virus circulation in Mexico. Vector surveillance and control programs mainly target females of vector species, but the relevance of infected males to the maintenance of virus transmission should be further evaluated.

Cx. quinquefasciatus has been found to be common in several states, but its role in ZIKV transmission remains controversial. Recent studies have shown that Cx. quinquefasciatus could have a role in transmission, but other studies concluded otherwise. Despite this controversy, virological surveys should continue to include Culex spp. in Mexico.

Is it safe to travel to Mexico while pregnant in 2024?

Mexico is known for its high risk of malaria and Zika virus, which can pose significant health risks. Insect-borne diseases like dengue fever, chikungunya, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis are also prevalent. Mexico is also known for its high risk of violent crime, particularly after dark, including murder, armed robbery, sexual assault, and kidnapping, often occurring at tourist spots and resorts.

Can you travel to Cancun while pregnant?

Pregnancy can be a time of increased risk for both mother and unborn baby due to the increased risk of severe diseases such as malaria, Zika virus, and yellow fever. It is recommended to avoid non-essential travel to tropical destinations during pregnancy, especially those with high risks of these diseases. Women should also take maternity notes with them, including information about pre-existing medical conditions and blood group, in case of medical care needs during travel. Postponing non-essential travel to areas with ongoing high risk of Zika virus transmission is also advised.

What trimester is worst for Zika?

Studies indicate that 5-10 babies born to individuals with confirmed Zika infection during pregnancy will develop birth defects, with the highest chance occurring in the first trimester. However, Zika infection can also occur in the second or third trimester. Zika infection during pregnancy can increase the risk of stillbirth, preterm delivery, fetal size, and low birth weight, with the fetus being smaller than expected for gestational age.

Is Cancun safe in 2024 for tourists?

The US State Department has declared the Yucatán Peninsula, including Cancun, Tulum, and the Riviera, the safest area in Mexico in 2024. However, it advises increased caution in Quintana Roo, Mexico’s home state. The US State Department also maintains travel advisory for six of Mexico’s 32 states, including Sinaloa and Tamaulipas, due to violent events that often prompt it to reiterate its travel advisories for Americans heading south of the border. The states of Sinaloa and Tamaulipas have been the site of kidnappings of four Americans in March 2023.