Traveler’s diarrhea is an extremely common illness that is spread from person-to-person or by consuming contaminated food or water. While the infection is not life threatening, it is unpleasant and can sideline your vacation plans.

What causes traveler’s diarrhea?

Traveler’s diarrhea is caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and other organisms, but is most associated with Escherichia coli (E.coli) and travel to warmer climates.

The chances of getting traveler’s diarrhea (TD) increases when visiting places with poor food handling and sanitation practices, not washing your hands with soap and clean water, or close contact with someone who has TD (such as young children).

Young children, the elderly, and individuals with existing health conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, or liver conditions are at greater risk of infection and potential complications from TD.

Is it the same as food poisoning?

Food poisoning is an overarching term that can lead to traveler’s diarrhea in some situations, occurring when foods are improperly cooked or stored. Both conditions share similar symptoms and should be monitored or treated to avoid complications.

What are the symptoms of traveler’s diarrhea?

TD causes bothersome gastrointestinal symptoms that can range in severity from mild cramps to urgent loose stools with nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain. The duration and severity of these symptoms varies but most cases resolve on their own after a few days or by using over-the-counter treatments.

Seek medical attention if you develop blood in your stools, your symptoms worsen, or you do not improve after several days.

How can I prevent traveler’s diarrhea?

There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk when travelling abroad:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
• Avoid eating raw, undercooked, or food served at room temperature. Only eat fruits and vegetables if you have washed them in safe water or peeled them yourself.
• Avoid unsafe sources of water/ice/food, unpasteurized foods, and food that may be from unclean water sources, such as shellfish.

Treatment options

If you begin to feel sick, drink lots of fluids or liquids that contain electrolytes such as diluted apple juice or commercial oral rehydration products to avoid dehydration. Always use safe water (boiled or from a commercially sealed bottle) to drink or to mix your oral hydration solutions.

Over-the-counter products such as Pepto-Bismol® (bismuth subsalicylate) or Imodium® (loperamide) can be used for a few days to relieve symptoms.

The use or oral vaccine products such as Dukoral® has not been proven to provide significant benefits for reducing TD due to E. coli but may be considered when individuals at higher risk of TD complications are travelling to high-risk areas. Speak with your health care provider before you plan to travel for advice based on your health needs.

If you do seek medical treatment for TD while abroad, a physician may prescribe antibiotics for three-to-five days to alleviate symptoms.

The information provided in this article is for personal use, reference, and education only. ASEBP does not provide medical advice. Before starting any medication or product, you should always consult with your pharmacist, health care provider, or call Alberta Health Link at 811.