Traveler’s diarrhea causes loose, watery stools that last an average of 4 to 5 days and self-resolve in most people.[1] Traveler’s diarrhea occurs due to the consumption of food and water contaminated with bacteria, parasites, or viruses, generally resulting from poor sanitation practices.[1] A 2010 study of over 3,000 Europeans traveling to developing nations found that traveler’s diarrhea occurred in 10% to 40% of participants during a two-week trip.[2] Similar results have been reported in American travelers.[3] This condition occurs equally in men and women; prevalence depends on the destination, food choices, length of stay, season of travel (the incidence is highest during the summer), and the traveler’s country of origin.[4][1]. Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to traveler’s diarrhea.[1]
What is traveler’s diarrhea?
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•Last Updated: October 13, 2024