Travel & Food: Everything You Need To Know About Traveler’s Diarrhea

Traveler's diarrhea is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Campylobacter, Shigella, or Salmonella are the most common causes. These bacteria are in water contaminated by human or animal stools. Drinking water, water used to wash food, or irrigation water may be affected.

When the traveler drinks this water or eats contaminated food, he or she is likely to get diarrhea. Common sources of bacteria that cause diarrhea are undercooked or raw foods, contaminated food, or contaminated water (including ice cubes)

Symptoms of Traveler's Diarrhea

Traveler's diarrhea can be mild to severe. Most people who develop traveler's diarrhea experience symptoms within the first two weeks, and often within 2 to 3 days, of arriving in a developing area. Symptoms include Diarrhea, Abdominal cramps, mild to severe dehydration, General lack of energy, nausea, and vomiting. Also, Fever, vomiting, and stools with blood or mucus.

These symptoms mean you have severe diarrhea, which is more likely to lead to problems with dehydration. In addition, dehydration may alter the effect of any medicines being taken, such as oral contraceptives or antimalarials.

Treatment of Traveler's Diarrhea

Treatment for traveler's diarrhea includes:

• Drinking fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Taking nonprescription medicines, and in some cases.
• Antibiotics and intravenous (IV) fluids.

Take frequent, small sips of bottled or boiled water or a rehydration drink. Drink a solution made with World Health Organization (WHO) oral rehydration salts if possible. Packets of the salts are available at stores and pharmacies in most developing countries. Add one pack to boiled or treated water, making sure to read the instructions regarding the proper amounts of salts and water.

Drink the solution within 12 hours if kept at room temperature or within 24 hours if refrigerated. Let your stomach rest. Start to eat small amounts of mild foods if you feel like it. After your diarrhea is gone, you may eat a regular diet again.

Children 2 years old or younger are at high risk of dehydration from diarrhea. If your child has diarrhea, give your child a solution of WHO rehydration salts and your child's regular food as long as diarrhea continues. If your baby has trouble keeping the liquids down, try giving frequent sips by spoon.

Prevention of Traveler's Diarrhea

The best way to prevent traveler's diarrhea is to avoid food or water that may be contaminated. A good rule of thumb for food safety is that if it is not boiled, well-cooked, or peeled, do not eat it. Raw seafood and milk products usually are high-risk foods for bacterial contamination. Dry foods, such as slices of bread, or fruits that you can peel, are safe to eat.

Also, avoid drinking local water where you are traveling and be aware that contaminated water may be used to wash fruits and vegetables, clean utensils and plates, and make ice cubes.