Public Health Agency of Canada
www.publichealth.gc.ca
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Dominican Republic
April 2011
Related Travel Health Notices
Consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Vaccines to Consider
These diseases can be prevented by vaccine. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.
(Listed in alphabetical order)
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A (External link) 
infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or body fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (i.e.; through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) while travelling in regions with risk of hepatitis B (External link) should get vaccinated.
Influenza (flu), including H1N1, is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.
Rabies is a disease that attacks the central nervous system spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from a rabid animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists (External link) and have a high risk of exposure (i.e.: close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among travellers visiting rural areas, those visiting friends and relatives, or those with weakened immune systems. Travellers visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should consider getting vaccinated.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito. Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Requirements are in place to protect both travellers and countries from the risk of importing or spreading the yellow fever virus. It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is also recommended to contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify additional entry requirements.
There is no risk of yellow fever in the Dominican Republic and proof of vaccination is not required.
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in the Caribbean to avoid diseases such as cholera, ciguatera, hepatitis A, leptospirosis, and schistosomiasis, travellers diarrhea and typhoid fever. Remember: "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!"
- Cholera is a bacterial disease which typically causes diarrhea. In severe cases it can lead to dehydration and even death.
- Most travellers are generally at low risk. Humanitarian workers and those visiting areas with limited access to safe food and water are at higher risk.
- Practise safe food and water precautions. Travellers at high risk should get vaccinated.
- Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
- Risk increases if travelling in regions with poor sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
- The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drink lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts while travelling.
Insects and Illness
Some insects carry and spread diseases in the Caribbean like dengue, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, malaria, and West Nile Virus. Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
- Dengue fever is a viral disease which can cause sever flu-like symptoms. In some cases it leads to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.
- Mosquitoes carrying dengue bite during the daytime. They breed in standing water in natural and artificial containers and are often found in urban areas.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine available for dengue fever.
Malaria
- Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by mosquitoes. There is no vaccine against malaria.
- There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this country.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. This includes covering up, using insect repellent, and staying in well-screened air-conditioned accommodations. You may also consider sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net or pre-treating travel gear with insecticides.
- Antimalarial medication may be recommended, depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. See a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel to discuss your options.
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in the Caribbean, like rabies can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds and the flu (including H1N1).
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safe sex.
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
- Practice safe sex while travelling, and don’t share needles, razors, or other objects which could transmit infection.
- Remember that disease can also be spread through the use of unsterile medical equipment during medical/dental procedures, tattooing, body piercing or acupuncture.
- Disease can also be spread though blood transfusions and organ transplantation if the blood/organs are not screened for HIV and other blood-borne pathogens.
Keep in Mind…
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
For more information on the Dominican Republic and travel security, visit the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (External link) website.
