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Jimmy Buffett fan club members reportedly get sick at Dominican Republic resort

Travelers with the Central Oklahoma Parrothead Association fell seriously ill just days after arriving at the resort in Punta Cana, a member said.

PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic — Days after arriving at a Dominican Republic resort, dozens of Jimmy Buffett fan club members fell seriously ill, Oklahoma News 4 reported.

Members of the Central Oklahoma Parrothead Association were staying at the Hotel Riu Palace Macao in Punta Cana in April, KFOR reported. There were 114 people on the trip and 47 reported symptoms. Some said they couldn't even leave their rooms.

More: Nearly 70 sickened in months at same Dominican Republic hotel where two Americans died

Related: They were on a blissful vacation in the Dominican Republic. Police later found them dead in their hotel

Dana Flowers, a member of the fan club and a travel agent, told KFOR she "lost 14 pounds during that time and was really sick."

WKMG in Orlando said the club was in the Dominican Republic the same month that Robert Bell Wallace, 67, was staying at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Wallace got ill and died on April 14. 

Since March, more than 60 people have gotten sick while visiting the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Punta Cana. 

Travel experts said if you're planning a trip to the Dominican Republic, make sure to ask these questions:

What chemicals are used to clean rooms? How often are the minibars inspected? How does the staff ensure the drink labels match what's inside?

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