Emergency Services
Health and Medical Information
General medical information for international travelers is available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website. In addition, the CDC maintains the international travelers hotline at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747), an automated faxback service at 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299) in addition to its webpage.
Nuevo Laredo is a growing inland port city with a population of approximately 500,000. Freight and transportation, customs brokerage, ranching and tourism are the most important businesses conducted here. The climate is arid and hot, and while there is no industrial smog, there is considerable dust in the air due to infrequent rainfall and strong breezes, particularly in the evening.
There are no significant unusual or endemic illnesses in Nuevo Laredo. The health environment is almost identical to that of Laredo, Texas, and other southern Texas border cities. Minor illnesses such as colds, sore throats, and simple gastrointestinal upsets are the most common health problems experienced in Nuevo Laredo. Common drugstore remedies are usually sufficient but, if the illness persists or becomes more serious, a doctor in either of the two Laredos would be capable of providing treatment. The Consulate maintains information on doctors and hospitals in Nuevo Laredo. ** PLEASE NOTE: The American Consulate at Nuevo Laredo assumes no responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the professionals whose names appear in this list.**
Carbon monoxide poisoning and death from gas heaters and charcoal-based fires used for heating occur every year in the Nuevo Laredo area. Visitors should not sleep in quarters heated by the above two methods unless such quarters are adequately ventilated at all times.
There is a high incidence of rabies in both Laredos. In both cities, municipal health authorities conduct regular anti-rabies vaccination campaigns for pets. An information sheet on emergency treatment for animal bites is included at the end of the doctors and hospitals information.