Travel Medicine Clinic at Hartshorn Health Service (970)-491-7121

What is it?
Traveler’s Diarrhea (TD) is an infection caused by ingesting contaminated food or beverages.

Where would I be likely to get it?
  Traveling to and in high-risk areas:

• Latin America & Mexico
• Africa  
• Middle East
• Asia

What are the symptoms?

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Fever (low grade)
• Bloody stools
• Pehydration

How long do symptoms last?
     Usually 3 - 5 days, but may last longer in some individuals.

What are risky foods - beverages?

• Any improperly handled foods. (Both cooked and uncooked.)
• Unpeeled fruits
• Tap water
• Ice
• Raw vegetables
• Raw meat
• Raw sea food
• Under-cooked meats/fish
• Unpasteurized milk
• Dairy products

What’s safe to eat or drink?

• Properly handled foods
• Carbonated bottled beverages
• Hot coffee
• Hot tea
• Water boiled or treated with Iodine or Chlorine
• Beer or wine in moderation

Can I take a medication to prevent TD?

• Pepto Bismol tablets may help prevent TD in some people.  Dose for an adult: 2 tablets four times a day, before each meal and at bed time.  (May cause temporary darkening of tongue and stool.  Also may cause constipation.)

What is the treatment for TD?

• Avoid dehydration (losing more fluid than what you take in) by drinking : Fruit juices Caffeine-free soft drinks

• Salted crackers
• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid caffeine
• Avoid dairy products
• Quick rehydration solution: Add one teaspoon of salt and 2-3 tablespoons of sugar or honey to one liter of water (boiled, treated or bottled). Alternatively, mix one 8 ounce cup of fruit juice with 3 cups of water and add one teaspoon of salt.

  Medications:

• Pepto Bismol - Take as directed on the package.  (May cause temporary darkening of the tongue and stool.) Immodium AD - Use as directed.

If you have bloody stools or high fever - seek physician advice.  You may need an antibiotic.  Some physicians may choose to prescribe an antibiotic to carry in your first aid kit for treatment if you are traveling to extremely remote areas for an extended period of time, or where medical treatment would be difficult or impossible to attain.

Special Precautions
Infants, children, senior citizens, and persons with chronic illness (such as diabetes) may dehydrate quickly and should consult a physician.