Travellers’ Diarrhoea

More than 20% of travellers visiting high risk areas get travellers’ diarrhoea, which can significantly disrupt their travel plans.^3,4

Mostly from ingesting food or water that has been contaminated with the viruses, bacteria or protozoa which cause the disease.^3,5

Travellers’ diarrhoea can occur in many areas of the world but is the most common in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Mexico, and South and Central America.^1,2

Travellers’ diarrhoea is defined as three or more unformed stools in a 24 hour period with at least one additional symptom.⁶ Symptoms can start from as little as 6 hours and will depend on the type of bug that has caused the infection. They may include watery or bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting.⁵

Without treatment, travellers’ diarrhoea caused by bacteria usually lasts three to seven days, if caused by a virus it can last two to three days, or if caused by protozoa, it can last for weeks or months.⁵ Medical care should be sought if symptoms do not clear up within three days or immediately in the case of fever, blood and/or mucus in stools, altered mental state, severe stomach pain, jaundice or rash.⁴ Early medical care is also recommended for children, the elderly or vulnerable people who cannot tolerate fluids or are dehydrated.⁴

You can take the following precautions to help reduce your risk of infection:

• Visit your nearest convenient pharmacy or specialist travel health clinic for a risk assessment before your trip
• Wash your hands frequently, especially before preparing or eating food, and after using the toilet⁴
• Ensure good hygiene is practiced when swimming. Don’t swim if you have diarrhoea, and avoid ingesting any pool water⁴
• Use boiled, bottled or disinfected water for drinking, preparing food and drinks, as well as brushing your teeth⁷
• Avoid ice in drinks⁷
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, fruit and vegetables that you haven’t prepared yourself. It is also advised to avoid eating shellfish and seafood⁷