Traveler's diarrhea

Traveler's diarrhea is an intestinal infection that produces loose, watery stools after eating or drinking contaminated food or water away from home. It affects visitors to places where water is unclean or food is handled unsafely, whereas local residents are less often ill because their bodies are used to the microbes. Bacteria cause most cases, with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli the most common; parasites and norovirus also contribute. Presentation spans slight cramping with loose stools through to bloody diarrhoea accompanied by fever, vomiting and abdominal pain, and dehydration is the main concern, particularly in children. Diagnosis is mainly clinical, built on the travel and food history, and laboratory investigation is typically unnecessary. Treatment centres on replacing fluid and electrolytes; antibiotics are kept for moderate or severe illness, and loperamide may be added unless fever or bloody stool is present.

Seek urgent care for vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, or difficulty swallowing. See a doctor for heartburn more than twice a week, a change in bowel habit lasting more than three weeks, or unexplained weight loss. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.