Puerto Rico Health

Health

Health Fresh water lakes and streams, in metropolitan areas, are often polluted so avoid going in for a dip. You can however find freshwater streams and ponds in the rainforest that are safe to swim in. Generally if you see Puerto Rican's swimming in it then you are probably ok, especially high in the rain forest. Puerto Rico is a tropical country but it is free of most deseases that plague most tropical countries in other parts of the caribbean and the world.Tap water is officially safe to drink but having bottled water on hand is always a plus. Medical facilities are easily available all around the Island, and there are many trained physicians and specialists in many medical fields. There are a number of government as well as private hospitals. However, health services are fairly expensive. Keep in mind that a visit to the doctor may not be as prompt as one is used to, and it is common to have to wait quite some time to be seen. Visitors should expect a high level of quality in their medical service - it is comparable to the U.S. mainland. Drug stores are plentiful and very well stocked. Walgreens and El Amal are the biggest and most popular chains, although Walmart, K-Mart and Costco offer medicines as well as numerous smaller local chains. Safety San Juan has many of the same problems of all major metropolitan areas. In general all tourist areas are very safe and have lots to offer. Crime against tourists is almost non-existent. Women travellers should take the same level of care they would use in a big city. A small number of thefts take place on beaches, even in daytime. So it’s advisable not to leave your belongings lying around unattended on the beach. Make sure to stay away from public housing complexes known as "caserios", which are numerous and widespread throughout the island, and avoid shanty slums as well (La Perla in San Juan). These are frequently the location of drug dealers and other illegal activity as well as violent crime. If you must venture into such a location, avoid doing so at night and do not take pictures or film the locals without permission. Avoid drawing a lot of attention to yourself and be polite at all times. The crime rate outside the metropolitan areas are much more lower. Cities like Arecibo, Aguadilla and Mayaguez are generally very safe. The only exception is the city of Ponce, located in the south of the Island, and where the crime can be compared to San Juan and its surrounding areas.

[ Hospital of Tropical Diseases ]