I do agree with Katie, and do not intend to be alarmist. As I said, what constitute "reasonable precautions" depends on where you're going, when, and for how long.
And some of the recommendations you received (tetanus, hepatitis) constitute "reasonable precautions" for living in the States.
For myself, I live and travel in small villages in the southern bush much of the year -- lots of rain, bugs and, frequently, questionable water and food. I take more elaborate precautions than would be appropriate for someone spending a week on the beach and a daytime excursion to see a ruin. And still I sometimes get sick.
That said, I do disagree with those who promote an across-the-board "come to Belize; there's not a thing to be concerned about" point of view. As I said: it depends where, when, and for how long. Your risk may be slight, or it may be great, but it is certainly greater than zero...
(I am particularly concerned for the young volunteers and adventure travelers I encounter who come to the deep south and spend prolonged periods in the bush with no precautions or backup plan whatsoever.)
As I recall, Chris, you're planning on being in the bush, but "high country" (right?), and dry season?, and for how long? Your "reasonable precautions" may fall somewhere in the middle.
I recommend calmly doing your homework, make your choices, then don't worry about it, relax, have fun. I do! ;-) And I'm far more exposed than you'll probably ever be!
BTW, my utterly non-scientific survey of various news reports over the years seems to imply that the greatest risks faced by tourists in Belize are, in order: (1) the sea, (2) their own preexisting health issues, (3) the roads, (4) almost everything else, ..., (99) bugs, snakes and disease... Just about like in the States... ;-)
Cheers,
'Lena
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MissLena is Galena Alyson Canada
Her Belize Forum email is
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