Staying Healthy
First, there is no malaria in Dominica. There are no poisonous snakes - though there are some nasty centipedes (which replaced inch worms when Dominica converted to the metric system). Frankly, the chief concern most people have is diarrhea. The risks are not as serious as they are in typical Third World countries. However, here are the guidelines prepared by our Microbiology Department. Those who heed these rules stay free of trouble, those who do not learn to. 1. Fresh vegetables should be washed and pealed, or cooked. Dish washing detergent followed by rinsing is adequate. Don't eat lettuce unless you have thoroughly washed it. Beware of salads unless you wash and prepare them yourself. 2. Never use the
same knife for cutting fruits and vegetables that was used to cut uncooked chicken without first thoroughly washing the knife. 3. Never use the same cutting board for fruits and vegetables that was used for
uncooked chicken, unless the cutting board has been disinfected. Uncooked chicken is notorious for carrying Salmonella enteritidis. Always wash your hands after handling uncooked chicken--bacteria can be transferred to other foods by hands, knives, cutting boards. 4. Don't eat raw eggs (Salmonella). Don't eat raw sea food (hepatitis A virus). 5. Water and ice are notorious sources of E. coli diarrhea. The water quality
varies. You are unlikely to encounter the same drinking water horrors that are found in much of rural Latin America, but bottled or boiled water is recommended.
Vaccines: the next time you visit your home physician, request the hepatitis A vaccine. If you plan to travel to Central or South America, also request a yellow fever vaccination. (There is no yellow fever on Dominica.) There is HIV on Dominica. It is believed to be spread primarily
by the heterosexual route. The incidence in Dominica is unknown, but great care of this disease should be taken wherever you live. Dengue fever is common on many Caribbean islands. The incidence on Dominica is unknown. Dengue virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. Avoid mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding sites at your residence. Spray insecticide under your bed and in your closet. Use insect repellent when outside in the evening. There may be some risk for leptospirosis
from swimming in the river, especially after heavy rainfall. The incidence is unknown. The risk is considered minimal. Student Health and Counseling Services | 
