Common Illnesses and Diseases While Travelling and Backpacking  

 

E.coli infection (ETEC)

Some Escherichia coli are enterotoxigenic (ETEC) which means that they produce toxins and cause diarrhoea type disease. Enterotoxigenic E. coli is the most common cause of travellers’ diarrhoea and has also caused several food borne outbreaks in Western countries.

Transmission: Is through food or water contaminated with human or animal faeces. Person-to-person transmission may also occur, but is likely to be less common.

Manifestations:
The disease gives:
• Watery or bloody diarrhoea
• Abdominal cramps
• Fever

Diagnosis and treatment: E. coli is found in stools. Treatment is not normally recommended but is available. Basically re-hydration is needed.

Vaccination: Vaccination against cholera gives protection against ETEC

Prevent ETEC by:
• Drink only water that you have boiled or treated with chlorine or iodine.
• Other safe beverages include tea and coffee made with boiled water and carbonated bottled beverages with no ice.
• Eat only foods that have been thoroughly cooked and are still hot
• Eat only fruit that you have peeled yourself.
• Avoid undercooked or raw fish or shellfish.
• Make sure all vegetables are cooked
• Avoid salads.
• Avoid foods and beverages from street vendors.
• Vaccine

 

 

The contents above, from www.bestbackpackersinsurance.co.uk is for information purposes only and cannot substitute for professional health care or any other medical treatment. All users of this website with any health problems should always consult their medical doctor or go directly to a hospital or clinic in their destination before starting any treatment.