Should I take malaria pills before visiting Punta Cana?

Question

We're visiting Punta Cana in March, and I'm undecided about taking malaria pills.....any thoughts?

Answer 1

i have been to punta cana more times than i could possibly begin to think about and have never taken malaria pills or any other shots for that matter, but i was always a tourist and stayed pretty much at the resort that i was at.
however, if you are going as a "missionary" or to work in the "jungle", if it would make you feel better, then sure, take them.
also for your own peace of mind, maybe you should go to tripadvisor.com and ask there as well.

Answer 2

i understand that the area of Punta Cana had complications in the previous with some those who drank water from a river close to the Golden detention center motels, and that they had some minor complications yet no longer malaria! besides I want Puerto Plata, more beneficial to make certain and the hot beaches are impressive!! They do the international championship there so the beaches must be solid and larger advantageous than in Punta Cana

Answer 3

I'd go on the safe side and take them.

"P. falciparum malaria is known to be endemic (i.e., constantly occurring) in rural areas of the Dominican Republic, with the highest risk of transmission occurring in areas bordering Haiti. Although resort areas in the Dominican Republic are generally not risk areas, small localized outbreaks have occurred in recent years in and around resorts in the province of La Altagracia."

NOTE: Punta Cana is located in the province of La Altagracia.



As a side note, you should also consider getting the Hepatitis A vaccine (the B one too, but a little bit less relevant to your trip is my guess).

Answer 4

If you are vacationing at a resort, no I would not take them. I have been to Punta Cana twice for vacation and didn't take them.
If you are staying for a long period time and visiting other than a resort than I would consult with my doctor.

Answer 5

good idea. I would.