Caribbean

Antilles

Antilles is an autonomous part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands comprised of five islands: Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius (aka Statia) and St. Maarten (Dutch side).

Crime: In recent years, street crime has increased. Burglaries and break-ins are increasingly common at resorts, beach houses and hotels. Armed robbery occurs occasionally

Medical Facilities: Medical care is generally good in Curaçao and St. Maarten, but it may be limited on the other three islands. Hospitals have three classes of services i.e.: first class (one patient to a room, air conditioning), second class (two to six patients to a room, no air conditioning), and third class (15 to 30 people in a ward).

Arthropod borne diseases:

• Dengue Fever

Water- or food bone diseases:

• Diarrhoae
• Hepatitis A
• Amoebiasis

Other diseases:

• Hepatitis B

Vaccination recommendation:

• Yellow fever - entering from an endemic region
• Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin
• Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
• Typhoid fever - if staying in remote areas
• Rabies - if risk for contact with animals
• A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within th last 10 years.

Prevent illness by:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Drink only water from cans or boiled water
• Avoid using ice or drinking untreated water
• Wash and/or peel all raw vegetables and fruits before eating.
• Use uncontaminated water to wash all food that is to be eaten raw.
• Avoid eating uncooked foods - Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it;
• Avoid swimming in fresh water
• Traffic accidents are the most common cause of injuries so be careful
• Avoid travelling at night and use safety belts when available
• To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot.
• Use latex condoms for protection against sexually transmitted diseases

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Updated 17-Jul-2003 • İtraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster

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