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Traveller’s diarrhea is the most frequent health concern encountered by travellers to tropical countries. Food can be contaminated by kitchen staff who do not wash hands, direct contact with human excrement used as fertilizer, or sewage-contaminated water used for freshening vegetables in markets.
Traveller's diarrhea is frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements resulting from eating or drinking contaminated foods or liquids. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, bloating and feeling unwell
Following good personal hygiene practices and being careful about what you eat and drink are the best ways to prevent traveller’s diarrhea.
The following are some tips for staying healthy while travelling.
A vaccine is available to help protect against traveller’s diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic E. Coli (ETEC). It also protects against cholera. For more information see HealthLink BC File #41k Traveller’s Diarrhea and Cholera Vaccine.
There are several ways to treat water so it is safe to drink.
1. Heat Treatment
Bring water to a full boil for at least 1 minute. Cool to room temperature in a covered container. At elevations over 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), boil water for at least 2 minutes to disinfect it. Water boils at a lower temperature at this elevation.
2. Tincture of iodine (2.5%)
Add 5 drops per litre of clear water, or 10 drops per litre of cloudy water. Let stand for at least 30 minutes. Pregnant women should not use iodine drops to purify water.
3. Tetraglycine Hydroperiodide tablets and Halzone tablets
The tablets are available in Canadian pharmacies and sporting goods stores. Follow the instructions.
4. Household Bleach (4-6% Chlorine)
Add 2 drops per litre of clear water, or 4 drops per litre of cloudy water. Strain cloudy water through a clean cloth first. Mix well and let stand for 30 minutes.
5. Water Filters
Portable water filters with a fine filter and iodine treatment can be purchased from sporting goods or travel stores. Read the label to make sure it will filter bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
The most important treatment for diarrhea is to replace the fluids your body loses. These fluids should be replaced by drinking clear fluids for 24 to 48 hours.
If diarrhea is severe or does not improve after 24 hours, start drinking beverages that will replace the electrolytes or body salts being lost. Use a pre-packaged oral rehydration salt (ORS) drink such as Gastrolyteâ. If you do not have an ORS mix, you can make your own using the recipe below.
| Glass #1 | 8 oz fruit juice ½ tsp corn syrup, sugar or honey Pinch of table salt |
| Glass #1 | 8 oz boiled or carbonated water ¼ tsp baking soda |
| Drink some from glass #1 and some from glass #2. Repeat until you are no longer thirsty. | |
Do not give this homemade drink to children under 12 years of age. Pre-packaged oral rehydration solutions can be used to prevent or correct dehydration in children of this age group, and these are available in most countries.
Do not eat solid food for the first 24 to 48 hours. When you feel better, slowly introduce small amounts of bland, easily digested food such as bananas, crackers, carrots, or rice.
Contact a doctor if any of the following symptoms develop: high fever, blood or pus in stools, signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, rapid pulse, reduced urine output or dark coloured urine, or if the diarrhea does not stop within 48 to 72 hours.
Medications:
A number of medications may be recommended for treatment of traveller's diarrhea. For more information, speak with your doctor or health care provider.
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For more HealthLink BC File topics, visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca/healthfiles/index.stm or your local public health unit. Click on www.HealthLinkBC.ca or call 8-1-1 for non-emergency health information and services in B.C. For deaf and hearing-impaired assistance, call 7-1-1 in B.C. Translation services are available in more than 130 languages on request. |
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