Cholera in the Dominican Republic

It has been confirmed that 3 holidaymakers who recently returned from the Dominican Republic have been diagnosed with Cholera.  The symptoms they suffered were watery diarrhoea, vomiting and nausea.

Some areas of the Dominican Republic are thought to be much more risky than others. Its President, Leonel Fernandez, called an emergency meeting with top government officials to discuss ways of preventing the spread of the disease.

Haiti, the Dominican Republic's island neighbour, has seen a devastating spread of Cholera since the earthquake in 2010 and there are major worries that the disease could affect thousands of locals and tourists in the Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic is one of the favourite holiday destinations among UK holidaymakers and if Cholera becomes a major problem on the island, tourist numbers could drop significantly. There is a risk that Haitians, many of whom work in hotels in the Dominican Republic, could introduce Cholera to major tourist resorts.
 
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice has been updated with regard to Cholera to read:

"The Dominican Republic's authorities put the country on alert following the outbreak of Cholera in neighbouring Haiti - officially declared there on 21 October.  So far this year there have been 182 confirmed cases of Cholera in the Dominican Republic resulting on one death in the province of La Altagracia. The local authorities are taking pro-active measures to contain any spread.

You should eat and drink only well-prepared and properly stored food and bottled water whilst in the Dominican Republic. Personal hygiene is of utmost importance in avoiding infections such as cholera - e.g. regular washing of hands before meals."

Cholera is transmitted through infected and contaminated food and water and usually occurs in places with poor food and sanitation. The biggest danger with Cholera is that it causes dehydration after prolonged bouts of sickness and diarrhoea and up to 50% of cases can be fatal where medical facilities are lacking. Oral rehydration solutions or intravenous medicine in severe cases can reduce this percentage of fatalities to just 1%.

If you suffer any type of holiday illness in the Dominican Republic and your symptoms include sickness, vomiting and diarrhoea, you could be suffering from Cholera. Get checked out immediately by a local doctor and make an appointment to see your GP as soon as you return to the UK. Then contact Farnworth Rose Personal Injury Solicitors who work on a no win no fee basis and specialise in holiday illness compensation claims. We can help you claim compensation from the tour operator if poor standards of hygiene or contaminated food/drink caused your illness. Contact Farnworth Rose Personal Injury Solicitors free on 080001 54321 or fill in the online claim form.