Health Experts Issue Travel Warning for Turkey, Mexico, Egypt and Tunisia
Health experts have issued an important warning to British holidaymakers planning trips to popular destinations abroad. Travellers are urged to follow specific guidelines to avoid falling ill while on holiday, with a particular focus on countries including Egypt, Mexico, Tunisia, and Turkey.
Spike in Stomach Bugs Reported
The guidance comes after officials reported a significant increase in stomach bugs among travellers returning from these countries. Many of those affected had been staying at all-inclusive tourist resorts, highlighting that even high-end accommodations can pose risks.
In an update, the team at Travel Health Pro emphasised the importance of adhering to food and water hygiene advice. They stated, "All UK travellers and tourists planning a trip abroad are reminded to follow good food and water hygiene advice."
The study shows that visiting countries outside of the EU, especially high-risk areas with low water, sanitation, and hygiene scores, increases the risk of infections that can cause stomach upset, such as diarrhoea or vomiting. Between 1 July and 15 October 2023, a rise in stomach bugs was reported in travellers returning to England from these popular holiday destinations.
The study also suggests that the true number of infections is likely to be higher, as it only counted cases diagnosed in travellers after they returned home, indicating many may go unreported.
Essential Pre-Travel Preparations
Before you travel, it is crucial to take several steps to protect your health:
- Research your destination thoroughly, including any general health risks, prevention advice, and vaccine recommendations or malaria advice.
- Pack a basic first aid kit and items to help reduce your risk of food and water illness, such as hand sanitiser and over-the-counter medicines like oral rehydration powders to manage diarrhoea.
- Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance before departing, as medical costs abroad can be high.
Key Advice While You Are Away
Travel Health Pro has issued detailed guidance for staying healthy during your trip:
- Practice good food and water hygiene at all times, even in high-end, all-inclusive resorts.
- Wash your hands frequently, including before eating or preparing food, after using the toilet, after changing nappies, and before and after sex.
- Eat recently prepared food that is fully cooked and served piping hot.
- Where there is no clean water supply, drink only bottled or boiled tap water, including for brushing your teeth.
- Always avoid ice in your drinks and fresh fruit that you have not peeled yourself.
- Avoid salads not washed with bottled or boiled water and swallowing water from ponds, lakes, and untreated swimming pools.
What to Do If You Become Ill Abroad
If you fall sick while travelling, follow these steps to manage symptoms and seek help:
- Drink plenty of 'safe' fluids, such as bottled water or tap water that has been boiled and cooled, and use oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration.
- Get early medical advice if you are at greater risk of complications, including babies, young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people who are immunosuppressed or have ongoing health conditions.
- Seek medical help if symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting last more than a few days or do not improve.
- Wash contaminated clothes or bedding on a hot wash and clean toilets, taps, and door handles regularly.
- Avoid using swimming pools if you have a stomach bug. Take children on regular toilet breaks and check nappies often. If diagnosed with cryptosporidium, do not use a swimming pool for two weeks after diarrhoea stops.
- If you or your partner has had diarrhoea, avoid sexual contact for at least 48 hours.
Post-Travel Health Measures
Upon returning from your trip, Travel Health Pro urges people to seek medical attention if they feel unwell. "Remember to tell your nurse, doctor, or other healthcare provider about your recent travel," they advised.
Additionally, wait for 48 hours after symptoms stop before returning to school or work to prevent spreading infections. For more detailed information, travellers are encouraged to consult the Travel Health Pro website for up-to-date guidance and resources.
