Inadequate sanitation and contaminated water are the leading cause of illness in travelers. To protect yourself, consider your drinking water carefully. Travelers should allow at least a half gallon of water per person per day. Water used for brushing your teeth and washing your food should also be included.
The Risks?
Under treated water can harbor microorganisms such as viruses (polio, hepatitis), bacteria (cholera, salmonella, streptococcus), and parasites (Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium). Exposure to these organisms can cause serious illness, and in some cases may be fatal.
Area |
Diseases |
Indian Subcontinent |
Cholera, Salmonella, Hepatitis A & E, Amebiasis |
Africa |
Salmonella, Hepatitis A & E, Giardiasis, Amebiasis |
Mexico, Central and South America |
Salmonella, Amebiasis, Giardiasis, Hepatitis E |
Russia and former USSR |
Giardiasis |
Asia |
Cholera, Salmonella, Giardiasis |
To be safe, water in these areas should always be treated,
even in developed areas. |
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