Traveler's diarrhea is loose, watery bowel movements you can get when you travel. It also can cause vomiting and belly cramps.
This kind of diarrhea is usually caused by bacteria. But sometimes it is caused by a parasite or virus.
Most people get it when they eat undercooked, raw, or contaminated foods. You can also get it if you drink contaminated water or if you drink something that has contaminated ice cubes in it.
In some cases, new foods can cause diarrhea. In other cases, the stress and anxiety of travel can cause it.
Traveler's diarrhea usually isn't serious. Most of the time, bowel movements return to normal quickly. The most important thing is to prevent dehydration. Make sure to drink a lot of fluids.
Traveler's diarrhea can be mild to severe. Most people who develop traveler's diarrhea experience symptoms within the first 2 weeks, and often within 2 to 3 days, of arriving in a developing area. Symptoms include:
Treatment for traveler's diarrhea includes drinking fluids to avoid dehydration, taking nonprescription medicines, and in some cases, antibiotics and intravenous (I.V.) fluids.
Children 2 years old or younger are at high risk of dehydration from diarrhea. If your child has diarrhea:
The best way to prevent traveler's diarrhea is to avoid food or water that may be contaminated. Eating raw or uncooked seafood and meat puts you at higher risk for getting sick. Also avoid foods like salads, uncooked vegetables, and raw fruits that don't have a peel. Dry foods, such as breads, or fruits that you can peel are safe to eat.
Avoid drinking local water where you are traveling. Beverages that are usually safe to drink include:
Water also can be filtered or treated with iodine to make it safe to drink.
Also, be aware that contaminated water may be used to wash fruits and vegetables, clean utensils and plates, and make ice cubes. Brushing your teeth with untreated water also may increase your risk of infection.
Avoid eating food from street vendors where flies can transmit bacteria and poor hygiene practices are more likely to contaminate foods. If you purchase food at an outdoor market, make sure you boil it, cook it thoroughly, or peel it before you eat it.
Good hand-washing is important in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Washing with treated water or using alcohol wipes or antibacterial gels to disinfect your hands are good ways to reduce your risk of getting an infectious disease.
Talk with your doctor about antibiotics you can carry with you on your trip and instructions on when to use them just in case you should develop diarrhea.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains current information on infectious diseases around the world. Local health departments can access this information to help you determine what prevention measures-such as vaccines, antimalarial medicine, or supplies to treat water-are appropriate for the area of the world you are traveling to. The CDC website (www.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx) also updates information for travelers.
Resources for medical care in a foreign country include embassies or consulates and major hotels. For English-speaking travelers, multinational corporations or credit card companies also may have referrals for local medical care in the foreign country.
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid getting dehydrated. Choose bottled or boiled water and other clear liquids. But talk with your doctor first if you have a condition that requires you to limit fluids. Eat small amounts of mild foods when you feel like it. Take any medicines as instructed.
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).
Traveler's diarrhea is a common medical problem for people traveling from developed, industrialized countries to developing areas of the world.
High-risk areas for traveler's diarrhea include developing countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Low-risk areas include the developed countries of North America, Central Europe, Australia, and Japan.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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