Montezuma’s Revenge’ is a common kind of diarrhoea usually suffered by travellers. The disease is named after the legendary Aztec King, Montezuma II. This disease is primarily caused by the bacteria E. coli found in food and contaminated water. Careless handling of food and improper sewage disposal are some of the reasons for E. coli contamination.
Travellers can follow few simple steps to prevent this disease, when travelling in developing countries:
- The primary precaution is to wash hands before eating. If washing is not possible, a hand sanitizer is “a must.”
- Avoid the street vendors and opt for establishments that provide food mainly to the tourists. If street food really allures you, then make sure to take food which is being prepared fresh.
- Avoid fruits that cannot be peeled or are already diced. While travelling, try to take fruits that can be easily peeled.
- Stop using tap water for drinking and brushing purposes. Also avoid gulping in water while taking a shower.
- Instead of salad, the best bargain is to avail dishes that comprises cooked vegetables.
- Always make sure to eat well cooked meats. It is not safe to consume dishes with half cooked meat.
Though the street foods are hard to resist in destinations like Bangkok or Shanghai, tourists must understand that the food are not always hygienic and falling sick while on a trip is not a very exciting option. Tourists must follow basic tips to ensure health and hygiene. A very popular way of disinfecting vegetables and fruits is by using a liquid known as Microdyn. Visitors just need to add a little bit of this liquid to some water and soak the vegetables and fruits for some time before consuming.
The symptoms of ‘Montezuma’s Revenge’ also known as Traveller’s Diarrhoea is frequent loose and watery bowel movements accompanied by nausea, mild fever, vomiting and stomach cramps. Patients may suffer for a week or a day and the severity of infection depends on the individual’s immunity. In case of mild diarrhoea, ‘over-the-counter’ medicines like Imodium or Pepto Bismol are enough to treat the disease but antibiotics are required to treat severe cases of ‘Montezuma’s Revenge.’
By TravelMole Staff Writer
