Travel to a third world country entails risks not usually found in the United States.  Please refer to the CDC Traveler's Health at wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationHonduras.aspx and the U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings at travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1135.html as well as Consular Information Sheets for detailed information regarding travel in Honduras.

In brief, some of the risks include the following:

DRIVING - Roads and vehicles are not up to U.S. standards. Use only experienced drivers and do not drive at night.

CRIME - Travel in groups and follow your leader's advice. Do not go out at night.

INSECT BITES - Malaria, Dengue Fever, Leishmaniasis, Chaga's Disease and others are present. Use insect repellent, insecticide spray, and, unless you are in modern, well-screened buildings, mosquito netting for sleep.

ANIMAL BITES - Rabies is endemic and anti-rabies vaccine is not available. Dogs, bats, and other animals carry the disease.

GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASE - Travelers' diarrhea, typhoid fever, cholera, hepatitis A and others are spread by contaminated water and uncooked food. Follow precautions.

VACCINES - Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, tetanus-diphtheria, and measles vaccines, as well as chloroquine for malaria prophylaxis, are recommended by the CDC at the time of this writing. Hepatitis B is especially important in a medical/dental clinical environment.

Please consult with your personal physician in advance of the trip. Discuss with your physician and obtain medicines and vaccines needed for the trip. It is advisable to inform your team physician of your health status, any ailments, medications, and allergies you may have.

Katharine C. Barnard, M.D.

Michael Gaudet, M.D.
Cape CARES, Medical Directors

Link to the online application form.