Bacterial pathogens, which include enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) bacteria, are thought to cause the majority (80 per cent) of travellers' diarrhea cases Canadians' lack of knowledge about travellers' diarrhea could result in a loss of more than $350 a day per vacationer.
TORONTO – This year, about 3.5 million Canadians will plan a tropical vacation to Mexico or the Caribbean,1,2 yet the results of a survey by Leger Marketing indicate many “flush” away valuable vacation time and money because they’re vulnerable to travellers’ diarrhea, a common but preventable medical condition. Despite their best intentions, up to 98 per cent of Canadian travellers may make a food or water mistake within the first three days of their vacation. Up to one-in-five vacationers who contract travellers’ diarrhea are bed-ridden for an entire day,4 and its symptoms can last up five days5. Since 40 per cent of Canadians spent $1,000 to $2,500 on their last vacation, contracting the illness could result in a loss of up to over $350 per day for those who spent $2,500 on a week-long trip.
“No matter when or where they’ve travelled, Canadians may be surprised to learn that the bacteria that causes travellers’ diarrhea can be contracted from many common sources encountered during their vacations,” said Dr. Jay Keystone, Canadian physician specializing in travel health. “Travellers’ diarrhea can be prevented, so Canadians must learn how to protect themselves before they depart for destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean, which are high-risk locations for contracting the disease.”
“Flushing Out” Canadians’ Travel Smarts
The survey indicates that not all Canadians are savvy about the potential sources of the bacteria that cause travellers’ diarrhea. Bacterial pathogens, which include enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) bacteria, are thought to cause the majority (80 per cent) of travellers’ diarrhea cases. Sources of ETEC bacteria can include poorly cooked meat, contaminated raw vegetables, unpasteurized dairy products and water. No food group can be regarded as “safe”.
According to the survey, 77 per cent of those Canadians who experienced travellers’ diarrhea know that ice cubes in a drink are a potential source of the bacteria that causes the illness, but interestingly, only two per cent think tap water presents the same risk.
Knowledge about the risks for contracting the bacteria also varies between provinces. Those surveyed from Quebec and the Prairies correctly identified consuming vegetables washed with tap water as a risk (71 per cent and 68 per cent, respectively), ice cubes in a drink (67 per cent and 58 per cent) and unpeeled fruit (37 per cent and 53 per cent) as sources of ETEC bacteria. However, those surveyed from Atlantic Canada and Alberta were less likely to identify these risks, and identified consuming vegetables washed with tap water (49 per cent and 43 per cent, respectively), ice cubes in a drink (36 per cent and 34 per cent) and unpeeled fruit (35 per cent and 31 per cent) as sources of bacteria.
Don’t Take Chances with Your Vacation Dollars the Next Time You Travel!
To keep your vacation pesos in your pockets, Canadians planning a getaway should remember these tips for preventing travellers’ diarrhea:
- Up Your Water IQ: Tap water can contain the bacteria that can cause travellers’ diarrhea. This includes the water you brush your teeth with.
- Ensure the Cuisine is Clean: Cook it, boil it, peel it – or leave it! According to the survey, many travellers are unaware that some sources of bacteria that cause travellers’ diarrhea include slushy cocktails, unpeeled fruit and raw seafood.
- Before You Leave, Visit a Healthcare Professional: As you plan your trip to Mexico or the Caribbean, speak with a travel health expert or healthcare professional specializing in travel health about ways to protect against travellers’ diarrhea caused by enterotoxigenic E. coli bacteria.
- No Travel Buddy Left Behind: Make sure your friends and family are also protected from travellers’ diarrhea before travelling so they don’t lose valuable vacation time and money.
“Although it’s critical that vacationers follow these tips, it’s important to remember that up to 98 per cent of travellers make food or water mistakes within the first three days of their vacation. Reduce the risk of letting travellers’ diarrhea ruin your vacation time by visiting a travel health expert or healthcare professional before you leave,” said Dr. Keystone. “One option for travellers to consider is Dukoral, which will help protect against travellers’ diarrhea. Dukoral is available with or without a prescription, in a two-dose schedule, with the first at least two weeks before departure.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
