Travelers' diarrhea symptoms

Travelers' diarrhea is a common travel-related condition. Vacationers usually contract it from contaminated water or food. In 80% to 90% of cases, bacteria are to blame, but viruses, parasites, and food poisoning (sickness due to toxins produced by bacteria in food) can also cause it.

Bacteria and viruses produce symptoms within six to 72 hours.

If a parasite causes the infection, the incubation time can be one to two weeks. Food poisoning from toxins produced by bacteria can occur within a few hours of ingestion and resolve within 12 to 24 hours.

Treatment options can range from drinking clear fluids to taking over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or antibiotics.

Travelers' Diarrhea Symptoms

Travelers' diarrhea can mean different things at different times, depending on the cause.

Typically, you can expect to experience the following symptoms, which may be quite urgent:

• Abdominal cramping (mild to severe)
• Bloody stools
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Watery stools

If you have diarrhea caused by a virus, it will usually only lin

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