Health

Traveler's Diarrhea 

The three most common causes of traveler's diarrhea are:

1. Bacteria are the leading cause, with Escherichia coli (E. coli) being the most common bacterial culprit. // Percent of Cases (%)  80-90 %

2. Viruses, particularly norovirus and rotavirus, can also cause traveler's diarrhea.  // Percent of Cases (%)  5-20 %

3. Protozoa includes parasites like Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium, which are less common but can lead to more severe symptoms.  //  1-10 %

In most cases, the contamination in food or water that causes traveler's diarrhea comes from feces. Here's a breakdown:

• Bacteria:  Contamination can happen at various points in the food chain. This includes:

  • Poor sanitation during food preparation, handling, or storage, allowing bacteria from human or animal feces to reach food.

  • Contaminated irrigation water used for crops.

  • Untreated or inadequately treated drinking water that might contain fecal matter.

• Viruses: Similar to bacteria, fecal contamination of water or food is a common culprit. This can happen through:

  • Improper sewage disposal leading to water contamination.

  • Food handlers who are sick with a viral gastroenteritis and don't practice proper hygiene.

• Parasites: Fecal contamination again plays a role here. Giardia, the most common parasite causing traveler's diarrhea, spreads through:

  • Ingestion of cysts from contaminated water sources (rivers, lakes) or inadequately treated drinking water.

  • Contaminated food, especially fruits or vegetables washed with contaminated water.

It's important to note that feces itself isn't the only source of contamination. Contaminated hands can also transfer bacteria, viruses, and parasites to food. This can happen during food preparation by someone who hasn't washed their hands properly after using the restroom, or even from travelers themselves who don't practice good hand hygiene.

TRAVEL WATER FILTERS -- AN OVERVIEW

I keep an eye out for good water filters because they can save me money and save me from getting travelers diarrhea.

Here is my latest research, that I am happy to share. I am not a scientist and I am not making recommendations, so please also do your own research.

This is what I want to filter out of my drinking water.

1. Chlorine

2. Lead

3. Bacteria

4. Viruses

5. Parasites

For example, If I am in a country where the water is treated for bacteria and viruses then I want a filter that removes chlorine and if possible lead.

Some main contenders and what they filter

1. The Larq Bottle Flip Top // chlorine, lead (1,2) 

2. The Larq bottle pure vis // bacteria, viruse, parasites (3-5)

3. LifeStraw Go Series // chlorine, bacteria (1,3)

4. Brita Premium Filtering Water Bottle // chlorine only (1)

5. Waatr puremax 4D // chlorine, lead, bacteria, viruses, parasites (1-5)

6. Grayl // chlorine, lead, bacteria, viruses, parasites (1-5)

7. Steripen // bacteria, viruses, parasites (3-5)

There are also good combinations, like 1+2 or 4+7