Over 40,000 cases of AIDS (SIDA) have been reported in Mexico, mostly in the centre of the country, and especially in the capital. It is estimated that a further 200,000 people are HIV positive.
While the problem in Mexico is no worse than in many other countries, it is still a risk and you should take all the usual precautions to avoid contracting it. In particular, to contemplate casual sex without a condom would be madness - carry some with you (preferably from home; if buying them in Mexico, check the date and remember that heat affects their durability) and insist on using them. They will also protect you from other sexually transmitted diseases.
Should you need an injection or transfusion, make sure that the equipment is sterile (it might be worth bringing a sterile kit from home); any blood you receive should be screened, and from voluntary rather than commercial donor banks. If you have a shave from a barber, make sure a clean blade is used, and don't submit to processes such as ear-piercing, acupuncture or tattooing unless you can be sure that the equipment is sterile.
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