Cholera in Mexico
19 Sep 2014
The health authorities of Mexico have reported a steep rise in the number of cholera cases during 2014. In 2013, a total of 187 cholera cases were reported in Mexico. Most occurred in Hidalgo state, with cases also reported from Mexico City, Mexico state, San Luis Potosi state and Veracruz state. Thirty five cholera cases were reported from Yucatan state in 2013.
In 2014, as of epidemiological week 35, a total of 990 cholera cases have been reported from Yucatan state, 13 from Hidalgo state and one from Queretaro state. The increase in cholera in Yucatan state has been blamed on poor living standards i.e. poor access to santitaion and safe water supply and lack of hygiene in the local community.
Yucatan state is in the north of Yucatan peninsula in southeastern Mexico. The worst affected areas of the state are the capital Merida and the surrounding area and parts of the coast on the Gulf of Mexico.
(Via Diario di Yucatan - accessed 19/09/14)
Advice for Travellers
Yucatan state is not a frequent tourist destination for UK travellers, however, it borders with Quintano Roo state on the northeast of the Yucatan peninsula which includes the popular tourist destinations of Cancun and the nearby island of Cozumel. Cancun and Cozumel are on the Caribbean side of Yucatan peninsula, therefore on oposite sides from Merida and the coast.
The risk of cholera for UK travellers is very low and vaccination is not recommended. Travellers should always maintain a high standard of personal hygiene and food and water safety whilst in Mexico.