Cholera fears in the Dominican Republic

Cholera has been confirmed after holidaymakers returning from the Dominican Republic were ill. Symptoms included watery diarrhoea, prolonged bouts of vomiting and sickness and the disease was confirmed when the holidaymakers returned home to the UK.

President of the Dominican Republic, Leonel Fernandez, called a meeting with government officials to see what measures could be taken to stop the spread of Cholera in the Dominican Republic. Since the devastating earthquake in 2010, the cases of Cholera in neighbouring Haiti have increased dramatically and there are major worries that the same thing could happen in the Dominican Republic as many Haitians work on the island.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office information reads:

"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 contaminated food and water and it is most prevalent in areas with poor sanitation. Cholera causes dehydration after serious bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea and, where medical facilities are  poor, up to 50% of all sufferers can die from the disease. Most sufferers need to be orally rehydrated, although where medicine is quickly administered, fatalities are usually under 1%.

If you have suffered sickness, vomiting or diarrhoea symptoms while staying in the Dominican Republic, you could have contracted Cholera. It is vital you get checked out immediately by a doctor at your hotel resort and also make an appointment to see your GP when you return to the UK. Then contact Farnworth Rose Personal Injury Solicitors, who can help you claim compensation for your illness, providing it was caused by poor standards of hygiene in your holiday hotel or by the negligence of the tour operator. We work on a no win, no fee basis, and we specialise in cases of holiday illness abroad. Call us on 080001 54321 or fill in the online claim form.