There are a number of serious diseases caused by contaminated water and food. Four of these major diseases are dysentery, which can precede traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, typhoid, and cholera. These diseases are prevalent in third world countries, but people can contract them even in their own home town. Here is information that can help you lessen the odds of getting these diseases when you're on a tropical vacation.



What precautions can you take to lessen the chance of contracting these serious diseases when you travel?

You should drink only bottled water when you are on your holidays. Make sure the seal of the cap has not been broken. If it shows signs of being tampering with, do not drink the water. In a number of third world countries, it is common for some street vendors, children, or restaurants to fill water bottles with tap water and offer them to tourists as authentic bottled water.

Ice cubes can be a major source of contaminated water. Unlike bottled water, there is no way that you, as a vacationer, can be sure the ice cubes were made from a safe, non-contaminated source of water unless the restaurant has an impeccable reputation. Therefore, you shouldn't use ice cubes in your drinks unless you are positive the source of the water is safe.

When you're on a tropical vacation you should avoid eating any uncooked foods like salads as they are another major source of these diseases.

How do people commonly contract traveler's diarrhea?

Traveler's diarrhea is usually caused by contaminated water or food, but it can also be caused by stress or a change of location when you are traveling. Some of the symptoms are gas, feeling nauseas, upset stomach, cramps and a liquid stool.

What can you do if you get traveler's diarrhea?

You should drink a lot of liquids such as purified water and soda or pop to prevent dehydration. These symptoms usually pass within two or three days, however, if the symptoms persist or get more severe, you should seek medical help immediately as you may have one of two more serious conditions, bacteria, or amoeba dysentery.

What are some symptoms of dysentery?

A high fever, severe headaches, vomiting, stomach cramps, blood and/or mucous in the stool are the usual symptoms of both bacteria and amoeba caused dysentery. Both kinds of dysentery can be very serious conditions if not treated. You must seek medical help as soon as you can.

What are the differences between hepatitis A and B?

Hepatitis A is a very infectious disease that spreads through contaminated food and water (including ice cubes). Hepatitis B is spread in the same way that the HIV virus is spread, by infected blood or body fluids through sexual contact, a cut or break in the skin, or a transfusion. Both diseases have similar symptoms which may include headaches, fever, chills, feeling fatigued, stomach cramps, aches and pains, nausea and vomiting, a lack of appetite, dark colored urine and a light colored stool. Jaundiced skin and yellow whites of the eyes are also usual symptoms. If you get some, or every one of these symptoms you must seek out medical help as soon as you can. As a precaution, however, it would make sense to see your local medical health professional before you travel on vacation and get vaccinated against both of these diseases. Always keep in mind that your first line of defense is to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B before you traveling.

It's advisable to find out from your local medical health authority if you should be vaccinated before your trip. Some countries you want to visit may require an up-to-date vaccination certificate. Even if they don't require one, it still makes good sense to be vaccinated as hepatitis A is highly infectious. Hepatitis B may lead to AIDS. Both of these diseases attack the liver. There is a vaccination called Twinrix which protects you against both hepatitis A and B. You can find out more about this combo vaccination at Twinrix.com.

What can you do if you contract cholera?

Cholera causes diarrhea, which can lead to very severe dehydration and possibly death. This disease is transmitted through contaminated food and water. As immunization is not considered effective, you have to practice good hygiene.

How can you protect yourself from getting typhoid?

Typhoid is also transmitted through contaminated food and water. You should be immunized for typhoid if you are planning to travel to any country where the sanitation is poor.