Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Traveler's Diarrhea
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the disease?
The best way to prevent traveler's diarrhea is to pay very close attention to the foods and beverages ingested. Here are some guidelines to follow.
Traveler's diarrhea can be prevented by taking medicines while in areas where the risk is high. Such medicines include:
What are the long-term effects of the disease?
Certain strains of E. coli, like the O157:H7 strain, cause hemorrhagic colitis. This illness causes inflammation of the large intestine and bloody diarrhea in both adults and children. This strain can also cause a complication called hemolytic uremia syndrome (HUS). This disorder causes red blood cell destruction, a low platelet count, and loss of kidney function. HUS can range from a mild illness to a severe condition resulting in permanent kidney damage. HUS usually follows a case of bloody diarrhea.
What are the risks to others?
A person who has been infected with E.coli and other bacteria can potentially pass them to others. There is a particular danger if the infected person does not wash his or her hands thoroughly.