Ah, the Caribbean . . . white- and pink-sand beaches fringed with palm trees, calypso rhythms wafting among island spices, world-class water sports at every turn. Visitors to the Caribbean can enjoy these fantastic features and relax, for the most part, when it comes to health issues. Tropical diseases are rare on most islands, and dont normally occur in cities and main tourist areas, anyway. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when heading to the islands, so take note.
Enjoying your trip to its fullest always involves some amount of preparation and knowledge, so to make your planning easier weve put together some basic information outlining the general risks you might face in the Caribbean. Consult the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the most up-to-date information on current health risks, and ask your physician about the best courses of vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis for the area youre visiting.
Food and Water:
While water is said to be safe to drink on most islands, its always best to drink bottled water to prevent any possible mild stomach upsets.
Food is also safe on the islands. As you would anywhere, be careful to avoid undercooked meat or seafood--relatively raw flesh can play host to a number of unwanted bacteria.
The Elements:
You may be going to the Caribbean to work on your tan, but the sun can cause some painful reactions. Staying hydrated and protected from strong rays will be your primary concerns under the Caribbeans strong sun. Drink plenty of water, even if youre not thirsty. Limit your exposure to the sun on your first day. Wear sunscreen of at least 15 SPF, and reapply it liberally throughout the day--especially if youve been swimming or sweating. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sitting in the shade are also advised. For further details, read our Avoiding Sun and Heat Issues tip.
Health Risks:
While malarial mosquitoes dont inhabit the Caribbean (with the exception of rural and rainforest areas of Barbados, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica), regular ol mosquitoes do--with a vengeance. Another frequently found pest is the sandfly, or no-see-um, which appears mainly in the early evening. Screens cant keep them out, so youll have to rely on insect repellent and protective clothing. Dengue fever is found on some islands, particularly in Antigua, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, and St. Kitts. Insect repellent can easily become your best friend while visiting the islands, so dont leave home without it.
Sea creatures that sting abound on shore. Watch out for jellyfish, fire coral, sea urchins, and other stingers. For more information, read our Aquatic Misadventures tip.
Typhoid and polio are problems in some places, including the British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Dominica, and others. Precautions may be advisable; consult your doctor, WHO, or CDC for up-to-date information. Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) and other bacteria are found in freshwater on some islands, so avoid swimming or paddling in those places. Rabies is present on many islands, so dont provoke stray dogs or other animals.
Hookworm and other intestinal parasites are common in the Caribbean. Hookworm can be contracted by just walking barefoot on an infected beach--try to take your long strolls on the sand in flip-flops or sandals.
Poisonous plants are found on some islands. The machineel tree, for instance, is toxic, and can burn the skin. Avoid contact with its leaves and fruit, and dont stand or sit under one when its raining. These trees, which look similar to apple trees, are often marked with a red sign on the trunk.
AIDS is a big problem on certain islands, so exercise the same caution you would at home.
Immunization Suggestions and Requirements:
Vaccinations are not required for entering the Caribbean if youre coming from the U.S., Britain, or Canada. However, hepatitis A and B have been reported on some islands, so if you havent been immunized for either, consult your doctor about getting these vaccinations. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required from visitors coming from infected areas.
