Many cases of Salmonella have been reported in the Dominican Republic over the past 18 months and holidaymakers have complained of vomiting and diarrhoea symptoms after eating food in all inclusive hotels.

Holidaymakers who have saved up for months for a dream holiday in the Dominican Republic have quickly realised what a nightmare it can turn into when poor standards of health, food and hygiene cause food poisoning and holiday illness. The Dominican Republic has several all inclusive hotels which serve breakfast, lunch and dinner to guests. When the standard of food and hygiene is poor, holiday illness plus symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea can quickly result.

In some hotels groups of holidaymakers and members of the same family have been struck down by illness and in many cases it could have been prevented if kitchens were cleaned regularly and food was not allowed to become contaminated with Salmonella food poisoning. One of the biggest causes of food poisoning at Dominican Republic hotels is food being served raw or undercooked and this occurs frequently in buffet-style restaurants and from holiday barbecues.

Never eat pork, chicken or burgers if they are pink in the middle and seafood can be particularly dangerous if not served at the correct temperature. Salads should also be chilled and covered when served and you should always avoid ice in drinks and local water. Only drink bottled water which has the seal intact and avoid any raw seafood such as sushi or oysters if served in a buffet-style restaurant.

If you become ill abroad with gastric illness, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever or headaches, get checked out by the local doctor as soon as possible and make sure you keep a copy of all medical receipts as you may be able to claim for them when you return to the UK. Once you return home, contact a no win, no fee personal injury solicitor as soon as possible and see if you can make a claim for compensation from the tour operator. If you were staying in a holiday package hotel when you became ill and if the tour operator´s negligence caused your illness, you could have a strong claim for compensation for loss of enjoyment of your holiday, discomfort and any related medical expenses.

You have a right to not be exposed to holiday illness of any type when staying in a package tour hotel in the Dominican Republic and the tour operator has a responsibility to take all reasonable precautions to keep you safe from harm and illness.

You can contract Salmonella food poisoning in the Dominican Republic by eating undercooked or raw food, by drinking contaminated water or from eating food which has been cross contaminated. This may occur if foods are not stored properly in the fridge, particularly if raw meat is stored above cooked foods which are ready to eat. Other common causes of cross contamination included foods being prepared on the same chopping board, which has not been cleaned in between. Also, all kitchen utensils should be cleaned and washed in hot, soapy water, kitchen surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned and dishcloths should be boiled in detergent at the end of each day.