For example, tap water at your destination will have no ill effect on the local population, but due to different treatment standards there may be higher concentrations or unfamiliar strains of E. This can cause diarrhea since you do not develop immunity during short-term exposure. If you are unsure about the tap water quality at your destination, bring the water to a rolling boil. Boiling your water destroys pathogens that can cause gastrointestinal infections such as E.
Let your water cool in a covered container overnight and pour it into your reusable water bottle before heading out for the day. Water disinfection methods such as filtration, ultraviolet UV light and chemical disinfection can be used if there is no heating source to boil water. To learn about different treatment methods, see the following resource:. Bottled water is another option.
However, bottles may be outdated or tampered with. Bottled water is also a large contributor to pollution and contributes to the water crisis. If you do purchase bottled water, do so from a reputable source and check that the bottle cap is properly sealed. Always exercise caution when eating high risk foods. Reduce your risk of illness by practicing food safety and following good hand hygiene practices at your destination.
Exposure to contaminated food is a common source of gastrointestinal illnesses. Before we eat our food, it encounters growers, processors, storage facilities, retailers, and food handlers that can introduce pathogens such as e. Contamination can also occur through:. Due to increased risk of contamination, travellers should practice caution with the following foods:. Hand washing is key to preventing gastrointestinal infections. Inadvertently ingesting fecal matter, protozoa eggs, bacteria or viruses by touching the mouth with dirty or improperly washed hands is a common source of illness.
However, the island's geographic location makes it prone to tropical storms. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November, with storm activity peaking in September. Check weather forecasts on a regular basis if you're traveling during high-risk months.
Carrying a cell phone enhances safety no matter where you're traveling. Bring your U. Ensure your phone contains numbers for your credit card company, bank, doctor and health insurance provider.
As in the U. To reach the police in nonemergency situations, dial the three-digit prefix of the region you're visiting followed by You can drive for up to three months in Puerto Rico using your U.
After that time period, you must obtain a Puerto Rican license. But be careful -- road signs are in Spanish and distances are measured in kilometers. Harris holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Penn State University; she taught high school math for several years and has also worked in the field of instructional design. Puerto Rico Travel Safety Risks.
For tourists and visitors to the island, metal contamination is not a major concern — it takes a long period of time to develop side effects from lead and arsenic poisoning, as well as from the levels of chemical toxins seen in Puerto Rican tap water.
Instead, with a third of the population being served by tap water containing harmful coliform bacteria , it is probably better to stay clear of the tap water, and instead consume bottled water, even if you are in an urban area. Hobbies: Mountain biking, bicycle commuting, reading, snowboarding, researching, and sampling yummy craft beers.
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