Condition Basics

What is traveler's diarrhea?

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.

What causes it?

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).

What are the symptoms?

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:

• Diarrhea.
• Abdominal cramps.
• Mild to severe dehydration.
• General lack of energy, nausea, and vomiting.
• Fever, vomiting, and stools with blood or mucus. These symptoms mean you have serious diarrhea, which is more likely to lead to problems with dehydration. Dehydration may alter the effect of any medicines being taken, such as oral contraceptives or antimalarials.

How is traveler's diarrhea treated?

Traveler's diarrhea doesn't usually need treatment. It will usually clear up on its own. But you may need antibiotics, or your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medicines. Some people need I.V. fluids. It's important to keep drinking fluids while you have diarrhea. Rehydration drinks are the best choice.

How can you help prevent it?

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:

• Tea and coffee if made with boiled water.
• Carbonated bottled water or soda pop.
• Bottled beer and wine.

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.

Other information sources

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.