Water sanitation is a constant problem across the island, and
you should never drink water from the tap in the Dominican
Republic. Many travelers choose to brush their teeth with
bottled water, which is a reasonable precaution. Reports of
food-borne illnesses in the Dominican Republic are down,
primarily as a direct result of the Cristal program of food
safety; look for resorts and restaurants with a Cristal
certificate to indicate that the current food-safety procedures
are followed. At most upscale resorts and restaurants, ice is
made from purified water, and drinking water served to you is
either bottled or purified (insist on bottled water if you're
concerned). If you have a stomach ailment, see a physician
immediately. If, for instance, you ingest some malignant
creature in tainted food, getting tested right away and going on
antibiotics can prevent the parasites reproducing and making you
sicker. Stray dogs and cats can be a problem; do not pet or feed
these animals. If you are bitten or scratched, atte