Traveler’s Diarrhea

As summer begins, many people go on vacation and travel around the world. While traveling can be a fun and memorable experience, the rapid transition from one environment to another can cause one to be more susceptible to disease and becoming sick. A formidable example of this is Traveler’s Diarrhea (TD), one of the most common and predictable travel-related illnesses.

While a variety of pathogens can cause TD, bacteria is the most common cause. The most dominant pathogens include Escherichia coli (E. coli), campylobacter jejuni, Shigella spp., and Salmonella spp. Other pathogens have also been identified as causes or potential causes of TD. Other causes include viruses, such as norovirus, and protozoal pathogens, such as Giardia. Norovirus is often found in shellfish, making it more easily contractible on cruise ships.

A person can get TD when they consume contaminated water. Instances of these are usually found in developing countries, where sanitation practices are different. A lack of plumbing and toilets can also increase stool contamination and allow vectors such as flies to transmit the sickness. Items that use public water, such as the shower, water used to clean hands, drinking water, and water used to clean food, can contain pathogens that can cause TD. Native people are less likely to contract the disease from the drinking and tap water due to their bodies being more accustomed to the microorganisms in their environment; however, foreigners can easily become sick.

The most obvious effect of TD is diarrhea, but symptoms can also include stomach cramps, abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting. While symptoms start within a few hours to a few days with bacterial and viral pathogens, protozoal pathogens take 1-2 weeks to present themselves. Similarly, viral diarrhea lasts a few days to a week and bacterial diarrhea lasts a few days, but protozoal diarrhea can last weeks to months.

Vaccines for pathogens that cause TD are not available in the US. A variety of drugs, probiotics, and antibiotics can help with symptoms and prevent getting the disease. In order to prevent contracting the disease, washing hands, carrying hand sanitizer, eating properly prepared and cooked food, and using bottled water instead of tap water is very important. If one contracts TD, making sure to drink plenty of fluids in order to replenish the water and electrolytes lost from diarrhea.

Traveling introduces people to unfamiliar environments, which can increase the risk of contracting harmful diseases such as Traveler’s Diarrhea. Being more aware of the risks of TD and how to prevent it can be helpful in ensuring one’s travel is safe and not detrimental to their health.

“Traveler’s Diarrhea: What It Is, Treatment & Causes.” Cleveland Clinic, 9 Nov. 2024, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7315-travelers-diarrhea.

CDC. “Travelers’ Diarrhea.” Yellow Book, 11 Apr. 2025, www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/preparing-international-travelers/travelers-diarrhea.html.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Norovirus.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24 Apr. 2024, www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/index.html.

Mayo Clinic. “Traveler’s Diarrhea – Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/travelers-diarrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20352182.