Health risks
The Dominican Republic has a developing economy. Tourist facilities vary according to price and location. The capital is Santo Domingo.
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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
Compulsory vaccinations: none.
Recommended immunisations: diphtheria, hepatitis A, *hepatitis B, malaria, polio, *TB, tetanus, typhoid * recommended in some circumstances, travellers making 3 or more visits per year, stays of more than 3 months in a rural area, high-risk occupational groups & backpackers staying more than 1 month.
Risks: malaria exists throughout the year especially in rural areas of the western provinces such as Castanuelas, Hondo Valle & Pepillo Salcedo. Rabies.
Blood transfusion & tissue transplantation risk according to UK BTS:
- Malaria: Yes, All year in whole country
- Maliaria Risk Category: A
- Trypanasoma Cruzi Risk: No
- Sub Saharan Africa: No
- West Nile Virus Risk: No
- Chikungunya Virus Risk: No
Yellow fever vaccination requirements and recommendations and malaria situation in Dominican Republic
Food and Water Safety
HIV Risk
Check travelers health risks by CDC before, after and while traveling to Dominican Republic and prevention before arrival at Dominican Republic.
Travel data, health safety, warnings and recommendations for Canadian who willing to visit Dominican Republic.
