How to Avoid Stomach Problems in Less-Developed Countries

Food and water contamination can cause serious illness. Take steps to avoid bacterial infections and parasites when traveling in countries where contamination is a problem.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Colored Ribbons
• Water Filters
• Bottled Water
• Diarrhea Medications
• Iodine Tablets
• Plastic Freezer Bags

1. Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site to find out if the water is safe to drink in the region you'll be visiting.

2. Drink bottled or canned beverages, and avoid drinks not opened in front of you.

3. Carefully check seals on water bottles; if the seal is broken, the bottle may have been refilled with tap water.

4. Wipe off any bottle before drinking or pouring from it.

5. Drink and cook with water that has been boiled. Add iodine tablets to tap water if boiling it is not possible.

6. Avoid ice cubes, which are usually made from tap water.

7. Brush your teeth using bottled water.

8. Eat only well-cooked food.

9. Peel fruits and vegetables. Do not wash them in tap water.

10. Avoid food from street vendors, dairy products, salads and uncooked seafood.

Tips & Warnings

• Tie a ribbon or string around the bathroom faucet as a reminder not to drink the tap water.

• If you want a cool drink, place ice cubes in a clean, leakproof plastic bag, and place the whole bag in the drink.

• Drinks not opened in front of you may have tap water added to them.