Caribbean

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has a developing economy. Tourist facilities vary according to price and location. The capital is Santo Domingo.

CRIME: Petty street crime does occur, and normal precautions should be taken.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care is limited, especially outside Santo Domingo. Within Santo Domingo, there is an emergency 911 service, but outside the capital, emergency services are extremely limited. A private nationwide ambulance service, "Movi-med", operates out of Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata and La Romana, telephone 532-0000 in Santo Domingo, 1-200-0911 outside Santo Domingo.

Arthropodborne diseases:

• Malaria in rural areas in western provinces ( Castanuelas, Hondo Valle and Pepillo Sacedo )
• Leishmaniasis
• Dengue Fever

We recommend:

• Usage of long-sleeved shirt and long pants to wear whenever possible while outside, to prevent illnesses carried by insects
• Usage of insect repellent containing DEET (diethylmethyltoluamide), in 30%–35% strength for adults and 6%–10% for children. Unless you are staying in air-conditioned or well-screened housing
• Usage of a bed net impregnated with the insecticide permethrin.
• Staying and sleeping in air-conditioned houses

Water- and foodborne diseases:

• Amoebiasis
• ETEC (E.coli)
• Hepatitis A
• Travellers diarrhoea

Other diseases:

• Hepatitis B
• Schistosomiasis ( bilharziasis )

Vaccinations we recommend:

• Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin
• Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
• Typhoid fever - Typhoid vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region.
• Rabies - if risk for contact with wild or domestic animals
• A booster for tetanus/diphtheria - if not covered which indicates not vaccinated within th last 10 years.

Prevent illness by:

• Wash hands often with soap and water.
• Drink only boiled water, or water and carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans
• Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.
• Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it
• Protect yourself from insects by remaining in well-screened areas, using repellents (applied sparingly at 4-hour intervals) and permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants from dusk through dawn.
• Prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot
• Do not travel at night
• Trafic accidents are frequent, be careful
• Always use latex condoms to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases
• Don’t eat food purchased from street vendors.
• Use chloroquine as malaria prophylaxis in risk areas

To top Back to list of countries • Home

Updated 18-Jul-2003 • İtraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster

The contents within traveldoctoronline are presented only for informational purposes and cannot substitute for professional health care or any other medical treatment. All users of this website with health problems should be oblige always to consult their medical doctor before starting any treatment.