Caribbean

Haiti

Haiti is one of the least developed countries in the Western Hemisphere, and it experiences a high level of civil and political unrest. Supplies of goods and services are adequate in Port-au-Prince, the capital, but there are shortages in other parts of the country. Most products are imported and are expensive. While tourism facilities in Port-au-Prince, Jacmel and Cap Haitien are satisfactory, they are rudimentary at best in most other Haitian cities, and they are virtually non-existent elsewhere in Haiti.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Haiti continues to experience civil and political unrest. Protests and demonstrations, which can turn violent at any time, day or night, occur periodically throughout the country. Private organizations and businesses may be targets of demonstrations or take-over attempts related to business disputes or extortion demands. Rural areas have become more dangerous.

CRIME: There are no "safe areas" in Haiti. Crime, already a problem, is growing. The state of law and order is of increasing concern, with reports of armed robberies and break-ins, kidnappings, murders and car hijackings becoming more frequent. The police are poorly equipped and unable to respond quickly to calls for assistance.

Travellers should be particularly alert when leaving the Port-au-Prince airport, as criminals have often targeted arriving passengers for later assaults and robberies. Criminals also watch bank customers and subsequently attack them, and some recent incidents have resulted in the victims' deaths. The use of public transportation, including "tap-taps" (private transportation used for commercial purposes), is not recommended. It is suggested that travelers arriving at the airport be met by someone known to them.

Mariners should note that Americans and other foreigners have reported the theft of yachts and sailboats along the Haitian coast in recent years. Some of the thefts were carried out by armed gangs, and one foreigner was killed.

Cameras and video cameras should only be used with the permission of the subjects; violent incidents have followed unwelcome photography.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities are scarce and sub-standard. Medical care in Port-au-Prince is limited, and the level of community sanitation is low. Medical facilities outside the capital are generally below western standards. Life-threatening emergencies may require evacuation by air ambulance at the patient's expense. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Arthropodborne diseases:

• Malaria in the forests in Chantal, Gros Morne, Hinche, Jacmel and Maissade
• 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 og 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.
• Yellow fever when entering from a yellow fever endemic region.

Stay healthy:

• 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

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

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