North and Central America and Caribbean

There are confirmed cases of H1N1 (Swine Flu) in Belize which is now in its second wave of the virus.  The Belize Ministry of Health has reported an above average number of patients with influenza-like illnesses affecting mostly school-aged children and young adults in the Belize, Cayo and Corozal Districts.

The Government of Belize is not imposing quarantine measures. The Belize Ministry of Health suggests that symptomatic persons voluntarily stay at home. Their advice at this stage is for people to practice good personal hygiene and ‘cough and sneezing’ etiquette; to check with their doctor and avoid crowds if they have any symptoms. You can check the Belize Ministry of Health website for updates 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website at www.who.int has further details.  You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated swine flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.  

Dengue Fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year, there have been confirmed cases in Belize.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 3,400 adults aged 15 or over in Belize were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 2.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Belize and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the  NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Medical facilities throughout Belize are limited. Serious cases are normally evacuated to the United States at the expense of the patient. Your insurance policy should cover medical evacuation by air ambulance.

For more general health information see travel health.