Specific Issues in Los Cabos in Los Cabos

In general, Los Cabos does not pose as great a health risk as other parts of Mexico. Nevertheless, watch what you eat and drink only bottled water or water that has been boiled for a few minutes. Water in most major hotels is safe for brushing your teeth, but to avoid any risk, use bottled water. Hotels with water-purification systems will post signs to that effect in the rooms.

When ordering cold drinks at establishments that don't seem to get many tourists, skip the ice: sin hielo. (You can usually identify ice made commercially from purified water by its uniform shape.)

Stay away from uncooked food and unpasteurized milk and milk products. Tacos al pastor—thin pork slices grilled on a spit and garnished with the usual cilantro, onions, and chili peppers—are delicious but dangerous. It's also a good idea to pass up ceviche, raw fish cured in lemon juice—a favorite appetizer, especially at seaside resorts. The Mexican Department of Health warns that marinating in lemon juice does not constitute the "cooking" that would make the shellfish safe to eat. Be wary of hamburgers sold from street stands, because you can never be certain what meat they are made with. That said, many travelers eat ceviche, street-stand tacos, and all the other wonderful foods that make dining in Mexico fun. If you're dining in a clean hotel or tourist-oriented restaurant, be a bit more adventuresome. Some travelers take a spoonful of Pepto-Bismol before eating as a precaution.

The major health risk, known as turista, or traveler's diarrhea, is caused by eating contaminated fruit or vegetables or drinking contaminated water. Mild cases may respond to Imodium or Pepto-Bismol, both of which can be purchased over the counter. Do not take Imodium or other antidiarrheal drugs for more than a day or two. If they don't cure the problem by then, you should definitely see a doctor. Drink plenty of purified water or tea; chamomile tea (te de manzanilla) is a good folk remedy and it's readily available in restaurants throughout Mexico. In severe cases, rehydrate yourself with Gatorade or a salt-sugar solution (½ teaspoon salt and 4 tablespoons sugar per quart of water).