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What Causes Traveler's Diarrhea?

Traveler's diarrhea is an infection of the digestive system that causes diarrhea, bloating, gas and possibly a low-grade fever. It occurs when people are exposed to parasites, viruses or germs for which their bodies do not have antibodies. Traveler's diarrhea typically occurs when people visit an area new to them, hence the name.

  1. Bacteria

    • Bacteria is the number one cause of traveler's diarrhea among visitors to developing countries, according to a study published in June 2005 in the medical journal American Family Physician. The most common culprit is from the Escherichia coli (E. coli) family. Other troublesome bacteria are Campylobacter and Shigella. Traveler's diarrhea caused by bacteria will normally clear up on its own within a week. See a doctor for antibiotics for a faster resolution or if symptoms are severe.

    Virus

    • Virus accounts for 5-to-10 percent of all cases of traveler's diarrhea, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Outbreaks of the norovirus are a common cause on cruise ships. Although there is no cure for the virus, anti-diarrheal medications and drinking plenty of water help reduce the severity of symptoms.

    Parasites

    • Parasitic traveler's diarrhea lasts longer than other forms of the ailment and often does not present symptoms until the traveler has returned home, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. It is usually diagnosed when symptoms have persisted for longer than a couple of weeks. The most common parasite responsible for traveler's diarrhea is giardia, which can be killed with medication.

    Destinations

    • You are at greatest risk for traveler's diarrhea in Africa, South Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Moderate risk areas include Eastern Europe and the Caribbean islands. Lowest risk areas include the United States, Canada, Japan and other developed nations.

    Sources

    • The most common source of traveler's diarrhea is contaminated water or foods. The CDC recommends that travelers drink only bottled or boiled (then cooled) water and only eat cooked foods that were recently prepared. Secondary contact is another common source, such as touching something an infected person has used on a cruise ship.

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