I thought these diseases were no longer a serious threat to public health

I thought these diseases were no longer a serious threat to public health. Can you explain what they are, and how effective the vaccinations are?David O’BrienDunstableDr Larry Goodyer replies: Cholera and typhoid are still endemic in a number of developing countries, but become a particular problem when sanitation systems break down or are inadequate. A common scenario is overcrowded refugee camps, when outbreaks are often reported with quite high fatality rates. The Caymans are very safe, very British (there’s even an M&S), very flat and without as much character as some, but superb for snorkelling and diving, and with some great beaches.Grenada is totally delightful, with one of the prettiest capitals in the Caribbean, St George, also with excellent diving Tobago is even sleepier.

And I am particularly fond of eccentric little Bequia in the Grenadines, and Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands (but do not confuse the latter with St Thomas and St Croix, which are in the occasionally edgy American Virgin Islands).Jill Crawshaw is a travel expert, writer and broadcaster.Keep taking the tabletsI’ve heard quite a lot about typhoid and cholera epidemics in Central America following Hurricane Mitch. I’ve been made vaguely uneasy by rather hostile or sullen glances from time to time, but not experienced any danger. Visitors tend to stick to their all-inclusive complexes, though it is well worth hiring a car or bicycle in order to visit its rainforest and volcano. St Lucia Tourist Board (tel: 0171-431 3675).If you are looking for a really hassle-free spot, consider some of the smaller islands. But Jamaica is definitely one of the most beautiful and interesting islands, with a lot more going for it than just sun and sand. Jamaica tourist board (tel: 0171-224 0505).St Lucia, a very popular island among British holidaymakers, was unaffected by the hurricane.

Holiday reps warn against going off the beaten track, which was echoed by my resident friends. Montego Bay is the worst place I’ve experienced, not for violence, but for hassling. You should definitely take care if you find yourself in some areas of Bridgetown after dark.Similar advice applies to Jamaica’s capital, Kingston. St Kitts and Nevis tourist board (tel: 0171-376 0881).Among the untouched islands, Barbados is considered one of the friendliest and most politically stable, though a tourist was killed there recently. Contact the Antigua tourist office (tel: 0171-486 7073).Puerto Rico also suffered from the hurricane, but it is not a popular holiday destination among British visitors. There was more damage in St Kitts than Nevis, the latter, in my opinion, one of the most interesting tiny islands (Nelson was married there), with a mix of super-smart hotels and charming plantation houses converted into small hotels It is a very safe, laid-back island.