Traveler’s diarrhea is an infection characterized by diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting that commonly occur in travelers to areas of the world with poor water purification.
Traveler's diarrhea can be caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses.
Organisms that cause the disorder are usually acquired from food or water, especially in countries where the water supply may be inadequately treated.
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea can occur with any degree of severity.
The diagnosis is usually based on the doctor's evaluation, but sometimes stool is tested for organisms.
Treatment involves drinking plenty of safe fluids and sometimes taking antidiarrheal medications or antibiotics.
Preventive measures include drinking only bottled carbonated beverages, avoiding uncooked vegetables or fruits, not using ice cubes, and using bottled water to brush teeth.
(See also Overview of Gastroenteritis.)
Traveler’s diarrhea occurs when people are exposed to bacteria, viruses, or, less commonly, parasites to which they have had little exposure and thus no immunity. The organisms are usually acquired from food or water (including water used to wash foods).
Traveler’s diarrhea occurs mostly in countries where the water supply is inadequately treated.
The bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the organism most likely to cause traveler’s diarrhea, particularly the types of E. coli that produce certain toxins, and viruses such as norovirus, which has been a particular problem on some cruise ships.
Travelers who avoid drinking local water may still become infected by brushing their teeth with an improperly rinsed toothbrush, drinking bottled drinks with ice made from local water, or eating food that is improperly handled or washed with local water. People who take medications that decrease stomach acid (such as antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors) are at risk of developing a more severe illness.
Symptoms of Traveler’s Diarrhea
The following symptoms of traveler's diarrhea can occur in any combination and with any degree of severity:
Nausea
Vomiting
Intestinal rumbling
Abdominal cramping
Diarrhea
Fever
These symptoms begin 12 to 72 hours after ingesting contaminated food or water. Vomiting, headache, and muscle pain are particularly common in infections caused by norovirus. Rarely, diarrhea is bloody.
Most cases are mild and disappear without treatment within 3 to 5 days.
Diagnosis of Traveler’s Diarrhea
A doctor's evaluation
Rarely stool tests
Diagnostic tests are rarely needed, but sometimes stool samples are tested for bacteria, viruses, or parasites, typically in people who have fever, severe abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea.
Treatment of Traveler’s Diarrhea
Fluids
Medications that stop diarrhea (antidiarrheal medications)
Sometimes antibiotics or antiparasitic medications
These medications are not given to children under 18 years of age with acute diarrhea. Antidiarrheal medications are also not given to people who have recently used antibiotics, who have bloody diarrhea, who have small amounts of blood in the stool that are too small to be seen, or who have diarrhea and fever.
Antibiotics are not necessary for mild traveler's diarrhea.
Antiparasitic medications are given if a parasite is identified in the stool.
Travelers are encouraged to seek medical care if they develop fever or blood in the stool.
Prevention of Traveler’s Diarrhea
Safe consumption of food and water
Travelers should eat only in restaurants with a reputation for safety and should not consume any food or beverages from street vendors. Cooked foods that are still hot when served are generally safe. Salads containing uncooked vegetables or fruit and salsa left on the table in open containers should be avoided. Any fruit should be peeled by the traveler.
Travelers should drink only bottled carbonated beverages or beverages made with water that has been boiled. Even ice cubes should be made with water that has been boiled.
Buffets and fast food restaurants pose an increased risk of infection.
More Information
The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
