Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common health problem for travelers, affecting up to 70% of travelers going to a developing country.
Ingestion of contaminated food or water, direct contact with an infected person or animals or their environment.
This is equal to 4000 travelers daily.
Watery diarrhea (main symptoms), possibly low-grade fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, urgency, and fatigue.
Severe dehydration and electrolyte losses and death can occur.
Precautions: To protect against traveler’s diarrhea infections, good hygiene measures, safe eating and drinking habits, and vaccination (Dukoral) should be considered:
Eat foods that have been thoroughly cooked and that are still hot.
Avoid raw/undercooked meat, seafood, salads, and uncooked fruit or vegetables that cannot be peeled.
Frequent hand washing.
Follow the guideline: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it.