Marion County Urges Spring Break Health Safety

Public health officials offer tips for domestic and international travel.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:56pm

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Marion County Public Health is reminding residents to take precautions when traveling for spring break, both domestically and internationally. Recommendations include checking vaccination status, reviewing CDC travel advisories, packing essential supplies like insect repellent and sunscreen, and being extra cautious when visiting areas with ongoing conflicts, such as parts of Mexico.

Why it matters

Spring break is a popular time for travel, and public health officials want to ensure residents stay safe and healthy, whether exploring new destinations or visiting loved ones. Providing guidance on travel preparedness and safety measures can help prevent illness or injury during the vacation period.

The details

According to Marion County Public Health, travelers should always check their vaccination status, read the latest CDC travel advisories, and closely monitor their health when returning home. For any trip, it's recommended to pack essentials like insect repellent, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer. When traveling with food, it's important to keep hot items hot and cold items cold. For those still planning to visit Mexico despite ongoing conflicts in the country, public health nurse Judi Van Hulzen advises avoiding travel at night, using only authorized and trusted transportation, and staying within tourist areas.

  • Spring break is approaching in the coming weeks.

The players

Marion County Public Health

The public health department for Marion County, providing guidance and resources to the local community.

Judi Van Hulzen

A public health nurse with Marion County Public Health who offered specific travel safety tips.

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What they’re saying

“If you are still going and you've decided to go, avoid traveling at night, use authorized transportation that you know is safe, and stay in tourist areas because that is going to be the safest place.”

— Judi Van Hulzen, Public Health Nurse (kniakrls.com)

The takeaway

By providing practical travel safety tips, Marion County Public Health is helping residents take proactive measures to protect their health and well-being during the spring break season, whether exploring domestic or international destinations.