Malaria, caused by a parasite that lives in the saliva of Anopheles mosquitoes, is endemic in some parts of Mexico. Areas above 1000m (such as the capital) are malaria-free, as are Cancún, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and all the beach resorts of the Baja and the Pacific coasts. Daytime visits to archeological sites are risk-free, too, but low-lying inland areas can be risky, especially at night.
It's a good idea to take chloroquine (brand names: Nivaquin, Resochin, Avloclor, Aralen), starting one week before you arrive and continuing for a month afterwards. Chloroquine is unsuitable for sufferers of various complaints such as epilepsy and psoriasis but daily proguanil (brand name Paludrine) can be used in its place.
If you go down with malaria, you'll probably know. The fever, shivering and headaches are like severe flu and come in waves, usually beginning in the early evening. Malaria is not infectious, but can be dangerous and sometimes even fatal if not treated quickly. If no doctor is available, take 600mg of quinine sulphate three times daily for at least three days, followed by three Fansidar (available from a local pharmacy) taken together.
The most important thing, obviously, is to avoid mosquito bites. Though active from dusk till dawn, female Anopheles mosquitoes prefer to bite in the evening. Wear long sleeves, skirts or trousers, avoid dark colours, which attract mosquitoes, and put repellent on all exposed skin, especially feet and ankles, which are their favourite targets. Plenty of good brands are sold locally, though health departments recommend carrying high-DEET brands available from travel clinics at home.
An alternative is to burn coils of pyrethrum incense such as Raidolitos (these are readily available and burn all night if whole, but are easy to break in transit). Sleep under a net if you can - one that hangs from a single point is best (you can usually find a way to tie a string across your room to hang it from). Special mosquito nets for hammocks are available in Mexico.
Another illness spread by mosquito bites is dengue fever, whose symptoms are similar to those of malaria, plus a headache and aching bones. Dengue-carrying mosquitoes are particularly prevalent during the rainy season and fly during the day so wear insect repellent in the daytime if mosquitoes are around. The only treatment is complete rest, with drugs to assuage the fever.
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