What's causing it?
The
most common culprits are bacteria including E. coli, salmonella,
shigella and campylobacter. Viruses and parasites are also popular
choices. People can develop some immunity to their local contaminates,
so just because the residents eat and drink it doesn't mean you can.
How severe the symptoms are and how long lasting depends on
the organism and to some extent on how you take care of yourself.
How to avoid it:Avoiding contaminated food:
- Contaminated food causes more disease than contaminated water.
- Eat foods that are thoroughly cooked and served hot---foods that are lukewarm or reheated are the most risky.
- Avoid salads, cold cuts and puddings.
- Eat fruits and vegetables you have peeled or properly washed yourself. Avoid thin-skinned fruit such as apples and grapes.
- Never eat raw shellfish
- Avoid large carnivorous fish especially from reef areas that may contain ciguatera toxin.
- Don't consume unpasteurized dairy products.
- Always wash your hands before preparing or eating food.
Avoiding contaminated water:
- Commercially bottled water and drinks are generally safe. The same can not be said for water on the outside of the container.
- Ice may be made from contaminated water and should be avoided.
- Do not drink tap water unless it has been boiled
(vigorously for one minute below 6500 feet), chemically disinfected, or
filtered (variable effectiveness).
- Use safe water for brushing teeth.
Street Vendor Guidelines:
- Choose food that is cooked, boiled, steamed or grilled directly in front of you.
- Avoid food handled excessively by the vendor.
- Avoid juices and other drinks unless commercially bottled.
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Not to mention....
Contaminated food and water
can cause illness that can do more than temporarily change your travel
plans. Hepatitis A and E, typhoid, cholera, brucellosis, amebic
dysentery,trichinosis, tapeworm disease and polio can cause disease that lasts for months or has long
term consequences.
Bacteria Gone Bad
If you get it........ what then?
The treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and includes one or more of the following:
Fluids--water, diluted soft drinks or weak tea.
There are also prepackaged oral rehydrating solutions (ORS) available.
Pepto-Bismol
Imodium (Loperamide)
Antibiotics
Hospitalization
Mild --loose stools without constitutional symptoms---
Get plenty of fluids.
Use an antimotility drug (Pepto-Bismol or Imodium) for travel if necessary.
Moderate --frequent loose stools with cramps or fever--
Get plenty of fluids.
Use an antibiotic.
Use an antimotility drug for travel if necessary.
Severe --frequent loose stools with cramps, bloody stools, and fever--
Get plenty of fluids.
Use an antibiotic.
Avoid antimotility drugs if possible.
Seek medical care if symptoms do not rapidly improve.
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