| Ensure
your water is purified
No matter what you call it - Montezuma's
revenge, Delhi belly, or the Troskies - avoiding diarrhea is a challenge
for most travelers to warm climates. Up to 50 percent of travelers
contract diarrhea during their trip. The most common cause of travelers'
diarrhea is contaminated food and water.
Besides diarrhea several other illnesses
are transmitted through contaminated water sources, such as typhoid fever,
hepatitis A, polio and cholera. Even first class hotels are no guarantee
that the water is pure. |
|
What
can I do?
 | Consume only canned or commercially
bottled "carbonated" drinks. |
| Avoid ice cubes that are not made from
purified water. |
| Filtration alone is not recommended |
| Brushing teeth should also be done with
purified water (If it is not available, use hot tap water.) |
|
|
| What
is the best way to purify my water?
There are several ways to purify water.
Consult with your travel health care professional for the most appropriate
precaution for your travel destination. |
|
| Health
tip
While portable water purifiers greatly
improve the taste of water and assist in the purification process, they
should not be used alone. It's essential to boil or chemically treat your
water first as recommended by your travel health care provider. |
|
| Consume
well-cooked food
Poor sanitation, unhygienic food handling
and the heat and humidity of tropical climates all contribute to the
growth of bacteria that contaminate food. While you'll want to experience
local cuisine, it's wise to ensure food has been properly prepared and
cooked to avoid illnesses such as diarrhea, hepatitis A or infection by
parasites. |
|
What
can I do?
| Ensure all food is well cooked
especially meat and seafood |
| E |
| S |
| Don't eat leftovers, food from street
vendors, or unpasteurized dairy products. |
| Never eat raw shellfish. |
| Avoid cold cuts, salads, watermelon and
puddings. |
| Don't eat canned food if the tin
appears "blown" or "swollen". |
|
|
| Can I
eat raw fruits and vegetables?
Fresh fruits and vegetables may often be
contaminated from the soil in which they grow.
| Eat only fruits and vegetables that you
properly wash and peel yourself. |
| Cook or bake fruit and vegetables that
can't be peeled or washed. |
|
|
| Health
Tip
Don't forget to wash your own hands
carefully before eating or preparing food. |
|
