CNN: Perception doesn't match the data
A commentary on CNN by Michael Smerconish focuses on the constant media coverage of deaths and illnesses in the Dominican Republic, which has led the public to believe there is a sudden surge in unexplained deaths. "But that doesn't match the data," says Smerconish.
He shares that the US State Department itself has commented on the matter: "We do not publish statistics regarding natural deaths abroad. However, speaking generally, over 2.7 million US citizens visit the DR each year, and we have not seen an uptick in the number of US citizen deaths reported to the Department."
Smerconish compares the media coverage to the perfect storm of circumstances that lead to a whirlwind of publications that dubbed the summer of 2001 "shark summer" and later proved to be "more hype than fact". He explains that human nature is fatalistic and pessimistic by nature, "even when the numbers prove otherwise."
A feature in The New York Times also looks into the string of reports on deaths, most for heart-related conditions. It addressed how the all-inclusive deals with all you can eat meals and beverage plans could worsen vulnerable health conditions of the tourists. It points to how the Hard Rock Punta Cana hotel has decided to remove the liquor dispenser bottles from their rooms and is contracting a US-based health care facility to ensure the on-site health clinic is complying with all international and US standards of care."