I remember when there was all the stories about tourists dropping dead in the Dominican Republic resort prices were slashed. Been quite awhile since I heard about any new death stories there.
Most of the problem in the DR was from people drinking bootleg liquor at all inclusive resorts.
This liquor does not come from Bacardi or other major distilleries. It is cheap rot gut. Some probably had wood alcohol in it. Similar to bathtub gin during prohibition.
I think there was also one resort that sprayed insect killer right outside some peoples room that probably made them sick.
People need to remember when they leave the US, other countries do not have the same laws to protect people. Whether it is the booze you are being served, the products people buy or the maintenance of the property they are staying at. This goes for ANY cruise ship too once you leave US waters.