Trouble In Paradise

With the anticipation and planning that goes into a vacation, a traveler’s worst nightmare is to become sick away from home. You have been looking forward to it for months, you are all packed, board the plane, register at the hotel and do some sightseeing. After dinner that night, you begin to experience the telltale signs of gastro-distress. Norovirus is a small virus that is highly contagious between humans, acquired by ingesting small amounts of feces or fluids that can contaminate food or water during handling and processing.

Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the U.S., with infected people usually experiencing vomiting, watery diarrhea, or both. Some people may call this the stomach flu, but it is unrelated to the influenza virus. Of the 21 million cases of infection in the U.S., a quarter of them are related to foodborne illness. Outbreaks happen year-round, but occur more often in the winter months.

While there is no specific treatment, it is important for infected people to stay well hydrated. Lasting two to three days, it usually resolves by itself. However, complications from dehydration can be dangerous for young children and the elderly. Because of the highly contagious nature of the virus, it is critical for caretakers to wash their hands whenever they come into contact with the infected person or their environment. Proper hand hygiene can minimize outbreaks from happening in the first place, especially in hospitals and nursing homes.

With a short incubation period, most people start feeling symptoms within a day of ingesting contaminated food or water, including abdominal cramping, stomach pain, and a general feeling of tiredness, headache, and muscle aches. People are usually thirsty but may have trouble keeping fluids down. If they are unable to replace their fluids and develop signs of dehydration, they need to seek medical care.

Traveling to far away places and staying healthy requires planning, preparation and vigilance. Before you go, it may be a good idea to research where to find medical care in the event of an illness. If traveling to an undeveloped country, avoid drinking tap water (including ice). Safe beverages include boiled or bottled water, for example. Safe foods include thoroughly cooked fruits, vegetables and meats, or fruits with a thick covering (like bananas) that have been washed in safe water and that you peel yourself. If you do get sick, it is important to stay hydrated. With preparation and vigilance, you can see the world and enjoy it too.