There are several precautions that you should take when visiting the Dominican Republic. One of these precautions is not drinking the tap water. This could make you prone to getting sick. In the Dominican Republic, bottled water is extremely cheap. Also, drinking tap water can make you more susceptible to disease, such as Dengue fever and traveler’s diarrhea.
Precautions to avoid drinking tap water in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is an ideal destination for tropical vacations, but there are still several precautions you should take. The quality of tap water varies greatly and is not always safe to drink, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. For these reasons, it is important to use bottled water while brushing your teeth and drinking water. There are a few brands you can choose from, such as Planeta Azul, Agua Crystal, and Dasani. If you are on vacation in the Dominican Republic, it is also a good idea to check if your hotel uses purified water when cooking and cleaning.
In the Dominican Republic, tap water may contain harmful bacteria. To reduce the risk of contracting malaria or dengue, drink bottled water instead. If you have an infection, consult with a doctor immediately. You should also take preventive measures against mosquito bites. You can buy mosquito repellent and wear long sleeved shirts.
Traveler’s diarrhea
Traveler’s diarrhea is an uncomfortable illness caused by a bacterial or parasitic infection in the gastrointestinal tract. When the immune system detects an infection, it triggers an inflammatory response. This reaction kills the pathogen, but it also causes uncomfortable symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. In severe cases, the illness can lead to dehydration as the body loses too much fluid. The best treatment for travelers experiencing diarrhea is to visit a doctor.
Traveler’s diarrhea can be a painful side effect of international travel, but the condition is usually mild and quickly passes. It is most often caused by bacteria and viruses, but can also be caused by contaminated water or food. In developing countries, water and food sanitation practices may be less strict, so travelers are at risk of contracting the disease.
Dengue
While it is common to see people drinking tap water in the Dominican Republic, there is a high risk of bacteria and other organisms in the water. Regardless of where you are traveling, it is recommended that you use bottled or purified water when you brush your teeth. Although bottled water is cheap in the Dominican Republic, tap water is not clean enough to use for brushing your teeth.
The Dominican Republic has a warm, tropical climate all year round. Because of the hot, humid climate, mosquitoes are common. While not all mosquitoes are harmful, be aware of the risk of contracting tropical diseases. Mosquitoes in the Dominican Republic carry different types of bacteria and viruses. Some of the most common tropical diseases are malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. You may want to pack appropriate medicine for these conditions.
While the Dominican Republic offers many beautiful beaches, you should take precautions. Drinking seawater can cause gastrointestinal problems or even vomiting. The water is not purified and may contain bacteria. Always remember to drink bottled water while traveling in the Dominican Republic.
