Travelers' Diarrhea
Contact Information
Stanford Travel Clinic
900 Blake Wilbur Drive
Palo Alto, CA 94034
Phone: (650) 736-5700
Scheduling Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 5:00pm
Travel Clinic Hours
Thursdays
8:30am - 12:00pm
What is travelers' diarrhea?
Travelers' diarrhea (TD) is a term used to describe the diarrhea caused by infection with bacteria, protozoa, or viruses during travel, usually transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food or water. About 80-90% of TD cases are caused by bacterial pathogens--Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Shigella sp., and Salmonella sp. Ten percent of TD cases in long-term travelers' are caused by protozoal pathogens such as Giardia intestinalis.
For more information about travelers' diarrhea, please visit the CDC site.
What are the causes of travelers' diarrhea?
Travelers' diarrhea describes a specific condition that may occur when traveling to countries that have poor public sanitation and hygiene. Poor hygiene practice in local restaurants has been identified as the main contributor to the risk for TD. High-risk areas are often located in developing countries, such as Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Travelers' diarrhea is caused by drinking water or eating foods contaminated with fecal material, unsafe storage of food, improper food handling and preparation, and inadequate sterilization of surfaces and utensils used in food preparation.
What are the symptoms of travelers' diarrhea?
A typical course of travelers' diarrhea lasts about 3 to 7 days, and may be accompanied by:
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Nausea
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Bloating
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Urgency
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Fatigue
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Loose, watery stools
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Fever
Can travelers' diarrhea be prevented?
The best preventives for travelers' diarrhea are:
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Only use water that has been boiled or chemically disinfected for:
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Drinking, or preparing beverages such as tea or coffee
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Brushing teeth
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Washing face and hands (alcohol-based gel can also be used to wash hands)
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Washing fruits and vegetables
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Washing eating utensils and food preparation equipment
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Washing the surfaces of tins, cans, and bottles that contain food or beverages
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Do not eat food or drink beverages from unknown sources, and only drink beverages that have been bottled and sealed
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Do not put ice in drinks
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Any raw food could be contaminated, including:
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Fruits, vegetables, salad greens
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Unpasteurized milk and milk products
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Raw meat
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Shellfish
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Any fish caught in tropical reefs rather than the open ocean
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Although, antimicrobial drugs, antidiarrheals, as well as other over-the-counter medications are sometimes used as preventives, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend their use without the specific advice and supervision of a doctor. Taking any medication without medical supervision can be dangerous. In addition to side effects or allergic reactions, long-term use of medications can mask symptoms that may need medical attention.
Treatment for travelers' diarrhea
Travelers' diarrhea although uncomfortable and unpleasant, usually lasts only a few days. Dehydration (loss of fluids) can be a serious side effect, especially for children and babies. Drinking plenty of noncontaminated fluids is important.
For diarrhea that is more severe or lasts more than three days, it is best to consult a doctor, especially for pregnant women and children. Seek medical help when diarrhea is:
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Severe
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Bloody
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Does not get better within a few days
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Accompanied by fever and chills
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Causes dehydration