Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

Are there different types of food-borne illness?

A wide variety of pathogens (disease-producing organisms) can be caught from food and drink. The most common food-borne illnesses experienced by travelers include: Traveler's diarrhea (a very common complaint), giardasis, typhoid fever, cholera, poisoning by toxins from molds, mushrooms, or pesticides and infectious hepatitis. Food allergies can also present a problem for travelers.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is food-borne illness?

Food-borne illnesses are illnesses that can be contracted by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water.

What are the symptoms of food-borne illness?

The signs and symptoms of food-borne diseases can vary according to the disease in question. They typically (though not always) involve the digestive system and can include: diarrhea (usually explosive, urgent and watery) four to five (or more) …

What causes food-borne illnesses?

Microorganisms of all types can be found on and in food. Some of them can cause illness.

Who gets food-borne illnesses?

Anyone can get ill by eating contaminated food. The risk increases for children and older people, people with weak immune systems, and for travelers who may be particularly susceptible to foreign illnesses.

Will food-borne illness clear on its own?

Most cases of food-borne illness resolve themselves - although you are likely to have a few miserable days. Bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding infecting others are the most common measures you can take. In more severe cases of …

How is food-borne illness spread?

Most types of food-borne illnesses spread via the oral-fecal route, meaning that infected human waste contaminates food in poor hygiene conditions.

Can food-borne illness be prevented?

You can reduce your chances of contracting food-borne illness by practicing good hygiene measures, such as: taking care to wash your hands when handling food, taking care to eat and use water only from safe sources; taking care when washing or bathing, …

What increases the chances of developing a food-borne illness while travelling?

Being in a high-risk group (such as children and older people), eating and using water from unsafe sources and individual health conditions all affect your chances of falling ill from food-borne illness.

How common are food-borne illnesses?

Tens of millions of people fall ill with food-borne illness each year.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Traveler's diarrhea

Traveller's diarrhoea is an infection of the gastrointestinal tract that mainly affects travellers, typically due to poor sanitation. It usually causes urgent and frequent diarrhoea. This can be unpleasant and potentially lead to dehydration. It is important to keep hydrated and medications may be needed to help with symptoms.…
Diseases & conditions

Yellow fever

Yellow fever is an infectious viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical and sub-tropical climates. It can be fatal, and is a serious health concern. A vaccine is available and is routinely given to people who live in, or are intending to travel to, countries where the disease is common.…
Diseases & conditions

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

A deep vein thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot within a deep vein, usually in the legs. Numerous factors can increase the risk of a clot forming. The clot may travel to a lung and block its function, which may be life-threatening. Following some advice can help prevent this condition.…
Diseases & conditions

Food and interference with medications

The types of food and drink you consume and the times at which you consume them can interfere with your medication use and have unintended consequences. It is essential to read the label and consult with your doctor or pharmacist on safety of the use of medication.…
Diseases & conditions

Dengue fever

Dengue fever is an infectious viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes in tropical and sub-tropical climates. Most people with dengue fever suffer unpleasant symptoms, such as fever, headache and vomiting, but will make a full recovery. However, repeated infections can result in a form of haemorrhagic fever.…
Diseases & conditions

Bed bugs

Bed bugs are small, wingless insects that feed on blood. They may be found on mattresses, bedding and other soft furniture. Bites from bed bugs can be very itchy and annoying, but are usually not serious.…

About this article

Author: Karen McCloskey BHSc
First answered: 17 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 14 May 2019
Rating: 4.0 out of 5
Votes: 1110 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Traveler's diarrhea

×

Content goes in here.