Just what is unhealthy in the water in Mexico?

I've looked everywhere from guidebooks to the CDC website, but haven't been able to find out what is in the water in Mexico that makes it unhealthy to drink. I'm asking because my backpacking water filter takes care of bacteria and protozoa, but not viruses, and I'm wondering if that will cover me. We'll be backpacking around the Sian Ka'an Reserve in Quintana Roo.

Best Answer

This came up in a microbio class I took in college. Apparently Giardia is a major player in the problem with Mexico's water. It is a parasite that is very easily spread, especially when water municipalities aren't up to par. I did a quick search for some more in depth info on Giardia so I didn't have to type it all out again. I would say your water filter should help as far as drinking water is concerned, but you also have to be careful about contaminated food, pools, other people, etc. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/giardia-infection/basics/definition/CON-20024686

Pictures about "Just what is unhealthy in the water in Mexico?"

Just what is unhealthy in the water in Mexico? - Side view of adorable little Asian girl giving medicine and water to sick grandmother sitting in bed

Just what is unhealthy in the water in Mexico? - Focused little Asian girl sitting on bed near sick grandmother drinking pills

Just what is unhealthy in the water in Mexico? - Cute Asian little girl sitting on soft bed and looking at sick grandmother drinking medicine on sunny day

Why are you not supposed to drink the water in Mexico?

As a rule, you should not drink tap water in Mexico. Generally, the water is purified at the source, but the distribution system may allow the water to be contaminated en route to the tap.

What contaminants are in Mexican water?

Concentrations of arsenic and fluoride above Mexican drinking water standards have been detected in aquifers of various areas of Mexico. This contamination has been found to be mainly caused by natural sources.

What in Mexico water makes you sick?

SHIGELLA. Shigella is a bacteria with symptoms similar to Salmonella. It is food or water borne and is usually transmitted into food via poor hygiene.

What happens if you drink tap water in Mexico?

Unless your water is tested right before you drink it, there's really no way to know for sure what's in that particular cup or bottle of water. In short, there's no one type of bacteria exclusive to Mexico water. Some types of microorganisms in Mexico water can include giardia, e. coli and cryptosporidium.

Is It Safe to Drink the Tap Water in Mexico?

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Alex Green, Alex Green, Alex Green, Alex Green