We've all seen the headlines over the last couple of months of Americans dying in the Dominican Republic, many from unexplained illnesses. But, is this really that big of a deal? The U.S. State Department says no. Well...any death is a big deal. But the State says this is not uncommon.
There have been at least nine confirmed American deaths in the DR over the last 12 months. But the State Department says there were 13 deaths in 2018.
One of the big differences here is that some of those deaths last year involved vehicle accidents and homicides. The more recent deaths seem to be mysterious, with seemingly healthy people coming down with sicknesses before dying.
A spokesperson for the State Department said that more than 2.7 million U.S. citizens visit the Dominican Republic each year and the overwhelming majority travel without any issues.
Dominican authorities have asked for the FBI's help in conducting toxicology analysis in the investigations stemming from some of the more recent deaths. More details RIGHT HERE.