Why You're More Likely To Get Food Poisoning In The Dominican Republic
By Nicole Cord-Cruz
VACATIONS
While the Dominican Republic attracts millions of visitors each year, it has a bad reputation for food poisoning. Unfortunately, it's a recurring issue, especially for tourists.
According to Forbes Advisor's 2023 Holiday Sickness Index, Punta Cana, a popular resort town in the Dominican Republic, earned the highest travel bug index at 90.4.
People have gotten food poisoning from many different dishes. Elianet Castillo, an infectious disease specialist, told Dominican Today that the root cause is poor food handling.
Gastroenterologist Carmen Cabral added, "A lot of pesticides are used and the handling from the field to the final consumption destination is too much."
Meanwhile, Robert Quigley, a cardiovascular surgeon, told The Washington Post that travelers often fall ill because they are a bit too adventurous with local cuisine.
To avoid food poisoning, the CDC strongly suggests skipping street food, raw seafood, and tap water. Also steer clear of anything that looks like it's been sitting out too long.