Health risks

Caribbean is a tropical area. Although it may seem idyllic, there are many health hazards lurking in the forests, water or soil. The most threatened group are campers and adventurers who spend their time deep in the forests, eating what they find and cook themselves, drinking water that may be unclean and sleeping out in the open. Yachtsmen have little chance of catching some tropical disease, because of the little contact they have with local "wildlife".

Still, there are few things that are good to know about preserving your health before setting out. The risks vary from one country to another, and among the regions within the countries. Some of the most common tropical diseases are malaria, yellow fever (present only in Trinidad & Tobago) and different food and waterborne diseases. Cutaneous larval migrans and leptospirosis are a risk for visitors to the beaches – humans can get infected if in contact with the urine of infected animals (via skin, food and water).

If you decide to take a trip to the Caribbean, we suggest familiarizing yourself with potential dangers and taking up advice on how to protect yourself.

Beside getting professional advice from your doctor, and using necessary prescribed medication, there are some other things you can do to enhance your health safety.

Beware of the mosquitoes and other insects; protect yourself by using insect repellents and long-sleeved shirts and pants. Also, keep your feet clean and dry and don’t walk around barefoot, regularly wash your hands, don’t drink tap water and eat food purchased from the street vendors or the food that hasn’t been cooked well.

 

MORE CARIBBEAN INFO: