Is Cozumel Safe for Your Family Vacation? Discover the Island’s Unseen Predator
If you’re considering Cozumel as your ultimate family vacation destination, ensuring the safety of your loved ones is crucial. While the island offers breathtaking beauty and incredible experiences, it’s important to be aware of a predator that poses a threat to both tourists and locals. Even the Federales and the Marines have struggled to combat this adversary.
Unmasking the Threat: Cozumel Mosquitoes and Their Tactics
The true predators on the island are the mosquitoes. These cunning insects observe your sleep patterns, carefully choosing the moment when you enter the dream stage to launch their attack. Their strikes are swift and unexpected, leaving you bewildered. By the time you turn on the lights, they vanish, leaving you to deal with the aftermath. Brace yourself, for the guerrilla warfare tactics of these mosquitoes are relentless.
Cozumel’s Virus Alert: Dengue and Chikungunya Outbreaks
Mosquitoes are carriers of dangerous viruses like dengue and chikungunya. Dengue fever presents with sudden onset of fever, severe joint and muscle pain, headaches, rash, and joint swelling. The World Health Organization estimates that there are 50-100 million cases of dengue infections worldwide each year. Dengue vaccines are being developed, while chikungunya has similar symptoms but is not life-threatening. Joint pain may persist, but recovery provides immunity to further infection. Chikungunya has spread, with half a million cases reported in the Caribbean and Latin America since 2013. Unfortunately, no vaccine is available.
Protective Measures: Defending Against Mosquito-Borne Viruses
My wife Silvia contracted dengue fever this year, and I witnessed the distress of waiting for her high fever to subside. To prevent others from falling ill in our tropical paradise, we offer vital advice. Bite protection measures reduce the risk of mosquito-borne viruses in tropical destinations. When outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk, use insect repellents containing DEET on exposed skin and clothing. Consider products like Repel 100 insect repellent, featuring 98% DEET, or Ben’s 30 DEET tick and insect repellent. Beware that products like Avon’s Skin So Soft are ineffective. Enjoy a fantastic time in Cozumel, but remember to take diligent precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Why Book With Us?
Book through this website, and we guarantee you’ll get the lowest price on the internet. You’ll be dealing directly with us, the owners, and we never charge booking fees, so you will save up to 30% of the cost over sites like Airbnb. Book our Couples Accommodation in Cozumel here.