The Caribbean encompasses many beautiful island nations including Bermuda, Bahamas, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Antigua, Dominica, St. Lucia, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Netherlands Antilles, Martinique, Haiti and Jamaica. The crystal blue water of the Caribbean, the warm white sands and the laid-back island mentality beckons the world to come and kick back on their shores. Still, there are hidden dangers that lurk in the Caribbean that travelers must be aware of before they begin to prepare for the trip of a lifetime.

Health Hazards in the Caribbean

Travelers often fall victim to what has been referred to as Montezuma’s Revenge, also known as “Travelers’ Diarrhea.” This can be caused by many different sources from viruses, parasites and bacteria. These viruses and bacteria can cause degrees of diarrhea and vomiting. Malaria is also a health risk for travelers. The two main areas of the Caribbean that put travelers at most risk for mosquito-borne disease are the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Other areas of the Caribbean may also increase one’s risk of contracting yellow fever, dengue, filariasis, and leishmaniasis, all of which are contracted via insect bite. The Centers for Disease Control urges travelers to avoid eating street-prepared food, drinking beverages with ice, handling animals or swimming in fresh water.

Violence in the Caribbean

In addition to health concerns, there are also concerns of violence erupting in the Caribbean. The one nation that the U. S. State Department has specifically warned American citizens to avoid is Haiti. The feeling is that the nation maintains a “volatile” level of security. According to the State Department, spontaneous demonstrations and conflicts can quickly arise between opposing political factions.

There are also safety issues in Jamaica. Often, tourists are excessively harassed by merchants pushing to sell hair braiding, massages and other services and trinkets. For the most part, the resort towns are considered safe, however, visitors should avoid areas that veer off the beaten path. In Jamaica’s more remote areas there is a threat of gang violence associated with the drug trade. Drug use is illegal in the country, contrary to popular belief. However, drug smuggling is often associated with the islands of the Caribbean, South America and Mexico.

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