The preventive measures you need to take while traveling in the Caribbean depend on the areas you visit and the length of time you stay. You should observe the precautions listed in this document in most areas of this region. Travelers' diarrhea , the number one illness in travelers, can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which can contaminate food or water. Make sure your food and drinking water are safe.
Malaria is a preventable infection that can be fatal if left untreated.
Risk for malaria is high all year in all areas of Haiti and in rural areas of the Dominican Republic, especially areas bordering Haiti. You are not at risk if you travel only to other Caribbean islands. Travelers to Haiti and rural Dominican Republic should take chloroquine to prevent malaria. A certificate of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into certain areas of these countries if you are arriving from a tropical South American or sub-Saharan African country. Filariasis and leishmaniasis are diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region, but the risk to travelers is low.