Travelers’ Diarrhea

KEY FACTS

It can happen in any place, but is more common in visitors to Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.
It is often caused by bacteria spread through unsafe food or water.
In most cases, illness is mild and only lasts for a few days.

Loose or watery stools, stomach cramps, nausea, fever, and weakness are common symptoms.

In most cases, symptoms are mild and go away on their own in three to four days.
Children are at higher risk of dehydration due to fluid loss.

Choose your food and drinks wisely: Eat fully cooked foods served piping hot.
Choose drinks in sealed bottles or cans. Avoid raw fruits and vegetables and drinks that contain ice.
Brush your teeth with clean water: Use bottled water or boil tap water for at least one minute (3 minutes at high altitudes).
Wash your hands often: especially after using the toilet and before eating food.
Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Oral rehydration solutions available at pharmacies can help to replace lost salts and minerals.
Consider over-the-counter drugs like loperamide to treat diarrhea symptoms.
Only take antibiotics if needed and as prescribed by a doctor or health professional.
Consider using antibiotics only for severe or distressing symptoms.
See your doctor if you have severe or persistent symptoms, and ask for a stool test.

Travelers are advised to check official health information from their own country, such as:

Steffen R, Hill DR, DuPont HL. Traveler’s Diarrhea: A Clinical Review. JAMA. 2015;313(1):71–80. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2014.17006
Riddle MS, Connor BA, Beeching NJ et al. Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of travelers’ diarrhea: a graded expert panel report. Journal of Travel Medicine. 2017; 24 (suppl_1):S57–74. https://doi.org/10.1093/jtm/tax026