Water safety:
You can read a dozen articles on the Internet about the
water supply in Acapulco
and they will all read the same.
The water supply here is great for showers but I wouldn’t
recommend drinking it.
The government utility has to be creative in their efforts
to supply water to a
growing populous in and around Acapulco. The situation is multifold actually;
Acapulco sits near the Tectonic Plates, was devastated by Hurricane Pauline in 1997
and has an aging water infrastructure.
Drink bottled water. Use commercial ice.
Food Safety:
Traveler's Diarrhea is caused by consuming
contaminated food or water.
The most common contaminant is E. coli bacteria.
How Can You Prevent It?
#1 Food safety rule : DO NOT EAT FOOD ON THE BEACHES NOT DIRECTLY FROM A RESTAURANT. OYSTERS, FRUIT AND ANY SEAFOOD NOT HANDLED PROPERLY CAN RUIN YOUR ENTIRE TRIP AND PUT YOU IN THE HOSPITAL THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE FOR OYSTERS, THEY CAN KILL YOU. V. vulnificus infection may occur within 24 to 48 hours of ingestion and may include sudden chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shock and skin lesions. In people with certain medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes or liver disease death can occur within two days. Anyone showing signs of any these symptoms after eating raw oysters should seek medical attention immediately.
- Drink only bottled water or hot beverages.
- Only eat fruits you have peeled yourself.
- Only eat foods that are well cooked and arrive hot. 140 deg. F. and above.
- Don't drink tap water or use ice cubes in high-risk areas.
- Don't eat uncooked vegetables, including salads.
- Avoid eating food from street vendors.
- Don't eat undercooked or raw meats, fish, or shellfish.
- Don't drink unpasteurized milk.
- Avoid eating moist foods at room temperature.
If you do become ill from food you can visit the local
pharmacist. Pepto Bismol and Antibiotics will help.
Drink fluids high in electrolytes such as Gatorade or
Pedialyte to prevent possible dehydration.
*If symptoms last more than a week or are severe..
Go to a Doctor.*
Acapulco has great Doctors and Clinics.
Personal Safety:
You might want to avoid unpopulated beaches at night
unless you are accompanied,
and in well lighted areas.
Use good judgement and discretion when on the beaches.
Do not carry or flash large amounts of currency.
Do not wear excessive jewelry.
Do not wander into non-tourist areas alone.
Do not become involved in any political issues.
If you need to make contact with the police make sure
you get the POLICE VEHICLE NUMBER and note as
many details as you can in the event that you need
to further report an incident at the local police department or Embassy.
If you have an issue with the police the police department
will do little or nothing without the Vehicle Number.
A note to GBLT Persons:
I am adding this note because Acapulco and Mexico in
general is considered by many to be a gay vacation
destination.
There are many Gay Dance Clubs in
Acapulco and any Hotel of your choice is “Gay Friendly” (Within reason).
I suggest that you visit Beto's Palapas or Fiesta's Umbrellas on
the Condesa beach.
Both will give you what you pay for and will not intentionally over charge you for drinks.
You will have access to their restrooms, and will receive attentive service.
Exit through their exits at the end of the day.
Both Beto's and Fiesta have sanitary food handling practices in
their restaurants. Both have reasonable menu prices and their staff will be happy to escort you to a Taxi at the end of your day. Have fun and be safe. |
