In general, travelling in the more developed
areas of the Caribbean won't raise many health
concerns. You can count on food being well and
hygienically prepared, and tap water in hotels
and restaurants that's safe to drink. The
preventive measures you need to take elsewhere
will depend on the areas you visit but we've
given some general advice. Note, however, that
the quality of medical care and facilities
varies widely throughout the Caribbean. While it
is excellent and readily available in places
such as Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman
Islands, Martinique and Guadeloupe, others -
particularly in rural areas on islands like
Jamaica and the Dominican Republic - may consist
of only a small, poorly equipped clinic. In any
event, it's a good idea to make sure that your
medical insurance covers you abroad or else take
out an insurance policy that includes medical
coverage
Inoculations
No specific inoculations are required to enter
any of the Caribbean islands, unless you're
arriving from a country where yellow fever is
endemic, in which case you'll need a vaccination
certificate. (Consult your doctor or a travel
clinic for advice on...
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Malaria and dengue fever
The Caribbean is not a malarial zone, but cases
of malaria have been reported in the Dominican
Republic, mainly along the Haitian border. While
the risk to travellers is small, if you intend
to travel in this area it's a good idea to take
a...
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Stomach problems
The most common food-related illness for
travellers is diarrhoea , possibly accompanied
by vomiting or a mild fever. Its main cause is a
change in diet whereby bacteria you're not used
to are introduced into your system. In many
cases, the...
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Food and water
While stomach disorders aren't likely to be a
big problem in the Caribbean, taking a few
common-sense precautions will lessen the chances
greatly. Steer clear of unpasteurized dairy
products and unrefrigerated food, and wash and
peel fresh fruit and...
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Bites and stings
Bites and stings can lead to infection, so keep
wounds clean and wash with antiseptic soap. Take
steps to avoid insect bites by wearing a
generous layer of bug spray during the day and
remaining in well-screened areas at night; in
cheaper hotels,...
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Heat trouble
The Caribbean's position near the equator means
that the sun's rays in the region are very
strong - use a high-factor sunblock (SPF 15 or
more) and apply it liberally at least every two
hours and after swimming or exercise. Keep sun
exposure to a minimum,...
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AIDS and HIV
The Caribbean has the highest regional
prevalence of AIDS and HIV outside of
sub-Saharan Africa. Haiti is the worst-afflicted
area, with the Bahamas and the Dominican
Republic close behind. With regard to sex, the
same common-sense rule...
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Prescriptions
Be aware that even on islands with good medical
facilities and well-stocked pharmacies you may
not be able to find the exact medication that
you take at home, or even a viable alternative.
To be safe, bring any prescribed medicine in
its...
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Medical resources for travellers
WEBSITES US Department of Health and Human
Services travel health and disease control
department, listing precautions, diseases and
preventive measures by region, as well as a
summary of cruise ship sanitation levels. ...
read more >>
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