Death of ex-Yankee's son in Costa Rica has experts sounding alarm on healthy travel

As investigators look into the death of teen Miller Gardner, son of former New York Yankees player Brett Gardner, experts are speaking out about exposure to food-related illnesses during travel and how serious they can be.

The Gardner family was vacationing in Costa Rica when they announced their tragic loss.

"We have so many questions and so few answers at this point, but we do know that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Friday, March 21st," the Gardners said in a statement, which was released by the Yankees.

Brett and Jessica Gardner said other family members fell ill on the vacation.

Francesca Page, a New York-based travel expert, told Fox News Digital there are some safety factors to consider while on vacation, which is a time when families typically eat outside food daily.

"Be wary of buffets and salad bars. Food left out for long periods, especially in humid environments, is more likely to harbor bacteria," Page said.

She also said people should be cautious of street food.

You should also avoid ice in drinks as it may be made with contaminated water, she added.

Page said bacterial testing strips can be put to use in water samples, which will identify possible contamination.

Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and a Fox News' senior medical analyst, said that, in Costa Rica, the water is generally considered safe at resorts.

"But when out of the country, including in Mexico or Central America, it is often a wise precaution to use bottled water when brushing teeth, etc.," Siegel said.

"Eating at local restaurants as the Gardner family reportedly did, should include caution," he added. "I would consider staying away from salads or uncooked vegetables for concern about bacteria or parasites."